China's population in the 1980 was poor but was much better educated than most countries at the same GDP level. And a larger part of the population got basic ed

China's population in the 1980 was poor but was much better educated than most countries at the same GDP level. And a larger part of the population got basic education. This is important when you have to read instructions. (meanwhile India's literacy rate is at the level of a middle of pack African country)