This title was first published in 2002.Banking reform lies at the heart of economic reform in China and is central to sustaining the countries high economic growth. This timely book covers an important economic policy issue in China, namely the existing and potential roles of the financial sector in the development of the Chinese economy. It explores for the first time the relationship between the reforms of the financial sector, of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and of the social welfare system. Donald D. Tong presents a wealth of valuable data accompanied by original insights and interpretations. The author also examines the original estimates of the cost of the social welfare burden given that social services such as old age pension, housing, healthcare and education are provided by the SOEs rather than by the private or public sector directly.