Introduction

The reforms have continued since 1978-gradually, but with dramatic results-and China’s leaders now seek to maintain the growth that the populace has come to expect. However, with reform and growth, new problems have arisen. China avoided most of the trials suffered by its neighbors as a result of the East Asian financial crisis of 1997, but 20 years of growth have created regional income disparities and new environmental problems, including some with serious implications for forest management.