China's growth a source of hope for all

With Chairman Mao Zedong proclaiming the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1, 1949, the Chinese people began leaving behind a century of colonial humiliation and building a new life.

What remains poorly understood by the wider world even seven decades later is how dire were the conditions in China during those days. While China sustained its triumph, Chinese people's living standard 70 years ago was barely 5 percent relative to their counterparts in the United States.

It was a dire starting point.