A Reflection on China’s Economic Reform from the Perspective of Catholic Social Teaching

Abstract

It has been nearly four decades since China initiated its economic reform in 1978. In spite of the fact that it brought the unprecedented economic growth to China, the reform is viewed by many (including myself) as problematic, and has recently seemed to be caught in the dilemma between recession and inequity. This article intends to explore the structural flaws of China’s economic reforms in the light of modern Catholic social teaching, especially the basic theological principles it builds in explicating activities in political-economic spheres. On the basis of the Catholic understanding of economic liberty, market, government, and equity, this article tries to provide a public theological agenda for China’s economic reforms, in order to help solve the problems they are facing. Meanwhile, based on the same theological standpoint, it also gives a critical assessment of the New Left’s negation of liberal economy.