China experienced a significant industrial growth in the mid-20th century, with notable increases in the production of various commodities. This period saw a remarkable rise in manufacturing and infrastructure development. However, the authenticity of the reported figures has been a subject of debate among experts.
Growth in Tractor and Cement Production
Between 1953 and 1962, China saw a substantial increase in tractor production, from just 2,719 units to a staggering 110,000 units. This period marks a significant leap in agricultural mechanization within the country. Similarly, the cement industry experienced a boom, with production soaring from 141,000 tons in 1950 to an estimated 16 million tons by 1960. Cement is a crucial material for infrastructure development, and this growth indicates a large-scale construction drive during these years.
Advancements in Locomotive and Textile Industries
The locomotive industry, centered in Dairen, also witnessed remarkable progress. From producing a mere 20 locomotives in 1952, the output increased to 800 locomotives by 1960, along with 32,000 goods wagons. This expansion reflects the enhancement of transportation capabilities and industrial capacity. In the textile sector, cotton mills more than doubled their output from 2,790 million meters of cloth to 7,500 million meters in 1959, indicating a robust growth in the production of consumer goods.
Surge in Electric Power Generation
Electric power generation is a vital indicator of industrial development and economic growth. China’s production of electric power witnessed a dramatic increase from 9,200 million kilowatt-hours to 55,000 million kilowatt-hours in 1960. This surge in electric power generation would have facilitated the expansion of industries and modernization of various sectors across the country.
Debate Over the Accuracy of China’s Reported Figures
Despite these reported increases, the accuracy of China’s published statistics has been questioned. Sinologists and other experts have attempted to analyze the rate of industrial production growth using different methods. Many believe that China’s figures are likely to be exaggerated. Even after hypothetically reducing the Chinese claims by 30 percent, the industrial achievements during this period are considered impressive by many observers.
Decline in Production Post-1960
Notably, after the initial surge in industrial production, there was a decline in the output of several commodities between 1960 and 1964. Steel production plummeted from 18.5 million tons to 7 or 8 million tons, coal production decreased from 425 million tons to 190 million tons, cement production fell from 16 million tons to 6 million tons, and truck production dropped from 29,000 units to 3,000 units. This downturn highlights the volatility and challenges within the Chinese economy during that era.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the increase in tractor production potentially impact China’s agricultural productivity and rural economy during the period from 1953 to 1962?
2. Considering the fluctuations in industrial production, what might have been the factors leading to the decline in output of key commodities like steel and coal between 1960 and 1964?
3. What methodologies could sinologists employ to verify the accuracy of the industrial production figures released by China during this period?
