ChinapipsJapanbutstilladevelopingnation.docVIP

PAGE  PAGE 4 China pips (beats) Japan but still a developing nation AFP/File?–?File photo shows workers at a hi-tech factory in Shenzhen, southern Chinas Guangdong province. China?… by Susan Stumme BEIJING (AFP) –  HYPERLINK /s/afpbs_afp/chinaeconomygrowth_20100817124450 \l # \t undefined China insisted Tuesday it was still a developing nation despite overtaking Japan as the worlds second largest economy, in the face of pressure to take on a greater role in global affairs. Thirty years after opening its doors to the outside world, China has enjoyed  HYPERLINK /s/afpbs_afp/chinaeconomygrowth_20100817124450 \l # \t undefined spectacular economic growth and already claimed the titles of worlds top exporter, auto market and steelmaker. After outpacing its neighbour in the second quarter, China is on course this year to officially confirm its position as world number two -- a title Japan held for 40 years -- underscoring its emergence as a global economic and political force. While some analysts are predicting that China could take on the top spot from the United States within a few decades, commentators insisted it remained a developing nation with tens of millions living in poverty. Commerce ministry spokesman  HYPERLINK /s/afpbs_afp/chinaeconomygrowth_20100817124450 \l # \t undefined Yao Jian said China still lagged far behind its rivals in per capita terms and has a long way to go to becoming a world-class power. The quality of Chinas economic growth still needs to be improved, no matter whether it is in terms of peoples quality of life or in terms of science, technology and environmental protection, the spokesman said. We still have an enormous gap to make up. He said Chinas per capita GDP was 3,800 dollars -- putting it around 105th in the world -- and that 150 million of its 1.3 billion people live below the poverty line, according to UN standards.  HYPERLINK /s/afpbs_afp/chinaeconomygrowth_20100817124450