ABSTRACT
The early and mid-1970s development policy has emerged as a field of politics which dynamically integrates poverty alleviation, restructuring of agricultural production, and environmental and family planning in cross-sectoral initiatives. In spite of a general tendency of political segmentation in different, competing ministries, departments and local governments, the Chinese leadership seems determined to overcome the structural problems by encouraging interdepartmental cooperation and comprehensive approaches. This is not likely to be an out and out success. On the contrary, there are many obstacles to be overcome, and many difficulties in achieving genuine cooperation. However, the integration of development issues, and the fact that the central leadership presses for solutions to the poverty and environmental problems, means that ministries and local governments must follow suit. Most importantly, China participates effectively and firmly in the international cooperation on these issues, and is less and less likely to view development as an entirely domestic affair.
