Rural China under Xi: Change, Continuity and Contradictions

29-31 August 2022, Oxford University, UK

In the span of a generation, rural China has undergone a dramatic transformation: infrastructure – ranging from roads to electricity grids – has been constructed; the majority of rural residents are covered through basic health care and pension programs; while extreme poverty has been eradicated. At the same time, the Chinese countryside is facing major challenges such as environmental pollution, rural education, and the hollowing out of villages’ socio-demographic and economic structure. Today, more than 4 decades later since the economic reforms started, the Chinese state is headed by President Xi Jinping, arguably, the nation’s strongest leader since Mao Zedong. Under his administration, the Chinese countryside has become the next political priority. ICARDC XVI – to be held at Oxford University – aims to take stock of and examine the changes, continuities and contradictions that have occurred in the Chinese countryside since the Xi administration assumed power.

Registration

Participants can register and submit their paper for the conference until 30 July here.

Program

ICARDC XVI presents a full program with various keynotes (amongst which by the renowned agronomist Tiejun Wen), a wide range of presentations, and a documentary screening. For the conference booklet and program please click here.