CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY IN THE CHINESE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC

Abstract

)RESENT-day research in physical geography in the Chinese People's Republic differs considerably, both in scope and dimensions, from the work conducted in China prior to 1949. Contemporary geographical research in China is organized to implement state economic plans in well-defined directions determined by the main economic objectives of the state. Of course, this kind of generalization constitutes a certain simplification, for it is not always possible to identify a direct connection between a scientific investigation conducted at a given moment and the broad economic plan. Nevertheless, the general assumption is that such research ought to be useful for the economic tasks of the state, whether already in execution or merely planned for the future. Frequently, however, the number of trained professionals available in a given branch of science decides the scope and dimensions of the work undertaken. In China, owing to the tremendous number of problems connected with economic planning, the number of physical geographers engaged in scientific research is inadequate to deal with the multiplicity of problems resulting from the state's plans, although about five hundred young people graduate every year in physical geography. Therefore, there is a marked tendency to concentrate geographers' efforts on selected sectors, those most important from the point of view of practical needs, although the ever-increasing number of qualified workers makes it posible to widen the tasks entrusted to geography. Both Leszczycki and Wiens have written on the general development of geography in China.1 The national program of geographical research, as pursued not only in the institutions