The Making of the Modern Chinese State pp 139-169 | Cite as
The Pearl River Bridge: Recovering State Power
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Abstract
This chapter shifts the focus to the recovering of state power. In stark contrast to Qixin Cement Company in the north, the Guangdong Cement Works in the south was an abject failure between 1909 until 1932. So, how did cement suddenly become an enormously profitable business in Guangdong from 1932 onwards? The answer lies with the foreign investment hype following the construction of the symbolic Pearl River Bridge by officials who were former revolutionaries inside an incorporated city government. This is arguably an icon of modernity for Guangzhou that caused an influx of investment. This propelled the economy forward and empowered the city government.