摘要
Some nine or ten years ago, capitalist businesses – private, profit – seeking enterprises with large numbers of employees and potentially unlimited assets – reappeared in the People’s Republic of China (the PRC or China). For years, these private enterprises (siying or siren qiye) operated without formal recognition or even exact definition, until the amendment of the PRC Constitution and the adoption of new legislation in 1988 legitimized the private economy and defined its status. With constitutional recognition and official backing, the private sector’s position seemed secure and its rapid growth likely to continue, at least during the “primary stage of socialism.” In fact, however, its position was precarious, as events since June 4, 1989 have demon- strated. Already affected by the government’s austerity measures, private business proved an easy target for official attacks. Only recently are there indications that private enterprise may be returning to favor.