China's middle class revolution

After one of the fastest periods of economic growth in history, China is set to reclaim its place as one of the world's great powers.

And the communist government, which once despised such displays of wealth, is counting on a new middle class to help it succeed.

This was noticeable in 02 when I was there. One of our guides was a manager (if I remember correctly) in a travel agency that catered to international travellers.