A UN report on China says the lives of its people have been vastly improved over the last three decades.
Poverty has fallen, adult literacy has climbed and Chinese people are now living longer than ever, it says.
But despite rapid economic progress, new problems have emerged, such as the gap between rich and poor.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which published the report, says these problems need urgent attention.
The report, entitled Basic Public Services for 1.3 Billion People, comes just weeks before China celebrates 30 years of economic reforms.
During this period, the Chinese government has largely ditched central planning in favour of the free market.
'Stunning achievements'
These reforms, started by the late, former leader Deng Xiaoping, have brought spectacular results, as the report makes clear.
"The speed, scope and magnitude of the improvements
Taken from here
