The reform and opening up has changed the course of contemporary China. The historical decision embraced 30 years ago was originally applied to the country's processing trade, introduction of foreign fund, exploration of resources, and the compensation trade.

It served as the best option during that period of certain historical conditions. Thanks to the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), the country's economy stayed stuck at a low level. The country had no choice but to resort to foreign capital to offset its lack of capital and advanced technologies and its inability to be integrated into the global economy.

However, such a low-end economic development model meant that developed countries, through capital outflow and direct or indirect outward investment, could acquire larger shares in the distribution of international capital returns.