China's overall economic construction objectives were clearly
stated in the Three-Step Development Strategy set out in 1987: Step
One -- to double the 1980 GNP and ensure that the people have
enough food and clothing -- was attained by the end of the 1980s;
Step Two -- to quadruple the 1980 GNP by the end of the 20th
century -- was achieved in 1995 ahead of schedule; Step Three -- to
increase per-capita GNP to the level of the medium-developed
countries by the mid-21st century -- at which point, the China's
people will be fairly well-off and modernization will be basically
realized.