Cronin, "China's telecommunications race: An attempt by the CCP to achieve technical legitimacy and hold onto power," 2004

Irena Cronin, M.A.

Abstract (Summary)
China's leadership has centered its legitimacy on economic growth. Telecommunication revenues, with more than 10 years of high growth, accounted for 4 percent of China's 2003 total gross domestic product, much higher than the proportion of many developed countries. China currently has the largest number of fixed-line phone users and mobile phone subscribers in the world, and is the second-largest in terms of Internet users. This thesis suggests that success in the high-growth telecommunications industry is a method by which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has continued to legitimize its existence, thereby continuing its control.

This thesis details who the major operators are in China's telecommunications industry, from government inception to present-day operations. Additionally, the state of China's telecommunications technology is discussed. Finally, the current standing of China's World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments to liberalize its telecommunications industry is assessed.

Advisor: Rosen, Stanley