#AP Chinese Exam Study Guide: Unit 6 - Environmental, Political, and Societal Challenges

Hey there! Let's get you prepped and feeling confident for your AP Chinese exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and give you some memory aids to make everything stick. Let's do this!

#Unit 6 Overview: Environmental, Political, and Societal Challenges

This unit dives into the complex issues facing China today. We'll explore environmental problems, political tensions, and social challenges. Let's get started!

#Essential Questions

Keep these questions in mind as you review. They'll help you summarize the key concepts. Think of them as your study guide's cheat sheet!

1. How do we address environmental issues during the process of urbanization in China? (如何应对中国的城市化过程中的环境问题？)
2. How do policies impact economic and social development in China? (政策如何影响中国的经济和社会发展？)
3. How do we address the aging population problem in China? (如何解决中国的人口老龄化问题？)

#Past Free-Response Questions

Here are some past FRQs from Unit 6. Remember, many questions combine concepts from different units, so you might see these again!

#Presentational Writing: Story Narration

2014 Presentational Writing: Story Narration - Park restoration

#Interpersonal Writing: Email Response

2022 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - Local climate changes and how the changes affect people’s lives

2016 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - Preparing for a job interview

2014 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - Participating in community service

#Presentational Speaking: Cultural Presentation

2014 Presentational Speaking: Cultural Presentation - Chinese-language movie (一个都不能少 (Yīgè dōu bùnéng shǎo, Not one less), 洗澡 (Xǐ zǎo Shower), 活着 (Huózhe, To Live/Lifetimes), 饮食男女 (Yǐn shí nán nǚ, Eat Drink Man Woman), etc.)

2008 Presentational Speaking: Cultural Presentation - City in mainland China/Taiwan (Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, etc.)

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#6.1 Global Tensions and Human Rights in China

#Global Tensions

• Trade Disputes: The US and China have had ongoing trade disputes, with accusations of unfair practices and protectionism.
• Reduced Investments: Some U.S. companies have reduced investments in China due to trade tensions, rising labor costs, intellectual property concerns, and political and social unrest.
• Territorial Disputes: China has territorial disputes with neighbors over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands and the South China Sea, leading to increased military activity and strained relations.
• Cyber Espionage: Concerns about cyber espionage and attacks originating from China have strained relations with other countries.
• Belt and Road Initiative: China's Belt and Road Initiative and its relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe have caused tension due to concerns about debt, national security, and human rights.
• US-China Relationship: The U.S.-China relationship is complex, with cooperation in some areas and tension in others, and it has significant implications for the global political and economic landscape.

#Human Rights

• History of Concerns: China has a history of human rights concerns, including the treatment of ethnic minorities and the suppression of political dissent.
• Uighur Minority: The Uighur minority in Xinjiang province has faced widespread allegations of human rights abuses, including detention in "re-education camps."
• Government Justification: The Chinese government has justified its use of the camps as a way to combat terrorism and provide education and vocational training, but they have been described by some as a form of mass detention and political repression.
• Mulan Controversy: The live-action version of the Disney movie "Mulan" faced controversy due to filming in Xinjiang and the depiction of Chinese culture and history in the film.
• Human Rights Activists: Chinese human rights activists, including Liu Xiaobo, Chen Guangcheng, and Ai Weiwei, have spoken out against the Chinese government and its policies.
• International Calls: International organizations and governments have called on China to improve its human rights record and respect the rights of its citizens.

Practice Question

{ "mcq": { "question": "Which of the following is NOT a major source of global tension between China and other countries?", "options": [ "A. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea", "B. China's Belt and Road Initiative", "C. China's participation in the Paris Agreement", "D. Cyber espionage concerns" ], "answer": "C", "explanation": "The Paris Agreement is an example of international cooperation on climate issues, not a source of tension." } }

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6.2 Education and Work Culture in China • Education System: Emphasis on academic achievement, memorization, and competitive exams. The gaokao (高考) is the most important exam, determining university placement. • Challenges: Stress, inequality between urban and rural education, and limited opportunities for minority groups. • Reforms: More focus on creativity, vocational training, and international exchange programs. • Work Culture: Characterized by hierarchy, collectivism, and long working hours. The “996” system (9 a.m.–9 p.m., six days a week) is controversial for its impact on work-life balance.

<study_tip> Compare Chinese education reforms with those in the U.S. or your home country—it helps when doing cultural comparison tasks. </study_tip>

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6.3 Environmental Issues in China • Major Problems: Air pollution, dependence on coal, deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. • Government Response: Investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, tree-planting campaigns, carbon trading system, and stronger environmental regulations. • Global Role: Participation in the Paris Agreement and climate negotiations, though enforcement remains a challenge.

Practice Question

{ "mcq": { "question": "Which of the following is a key step China has taken to address environmental challenges?", "options": [ "A. Ending the gaokao system", "B. Promoting electric vehicles", "C. Eliminating public housing programs", "D. Expanding military presence in the South China Sea" ], "answer": "B", "explanation": "Promoting electric vehicles is part of China’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." } }

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6.4 Economic and Housing Challenges Facing China • Economic Growth: Driven by industrialization, urbanization, and trade, but now slowing. • Challenges: Rising debt, trade tensions (especially with the U.S.), environmental pressures, and income inequality. • Housing Issues: High demand and limited supply have driven up prices. Affordability is a growing concern. • Government Measures: Expanding affordable housing, regulating real estate, and improving the rental market.

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6.5 Aging Population and Social Challenges • Demographic Shift: China’s population is aging rapidly due to the former One-Child Policy and rising life expectancy. • Impact: Shrinking workforce, increased healthcare costs, and pressure on social security. • Government Response: Raising retirement age, encouraging larger families with Three-Child Policy, and investing in elder care services.