Mapping the evolution and transformation of the new private entrepreneurs in China

Given the fact that the new private entrepreneurs (NPEs) are playing an increasingly important role in Chinese politics and economy, this article maps the historical evolution of the NPEs through analyzing five main private business groups, including small individual businessmen, price speculators, land speculators, enterprise investors and high-tech investors. The article also examines six major ways that the NPEs have sought to protect their private property and improve their moral reputation, ranging from obtaining the Communist Party membership, congressional seat and an official position within a government branch, to relying on the law, participating in the local election process, and contributing to charitable causes. In so doing, they have increased their influence in the Chinese political, social, and economic spheres. His research fields include China reform, economic history, and US-China relations. He has published and edited six books and more than 60 research articles. The earlier version of the paper was presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the Association for Asian Studies (AAS), San Diego, March 6, 2004. The author is indebted to the following scholars for their valuable reviews and suggestions: Drs. Yi Sun, Harvey Nelsen, Frank Hoffman, and four anonymous referees.