Communism developed into a significant force in China during the 1920s, with the founding of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921. Initial partnership with the Nationalist party, or Kuomintang, was successful but in 1927 Chiang Kai-Sek turned against the CCP and drove it underground, when it basically became a force in rural areas. Japan invaded China in 1937, leading to a strengthening of support for the CCP as they fought the invaders. With the end of the second world war and the surrender of Japan, the CCP and Nationalist struggle was re-engaged, but by this stage the CCP was so powerful that decisive defeat was inevitable, and in 1949 Mao Zedong led the founding of the People's Republic of China, a communist regime that still rules today. For a discussion of the recent history of China, including the early alignment and later ideological disagreements with communist Russia, the 'Great Leap forward', Deng Xiaoping, the Cultural Revolution and general discussions of the role of the CCP today please see the following books Environmental Issues Untreated sewage and air pollution from coal are major issues, as well as a frequent lack of water.
Forest destruction is significant.
China's population control program has struggled to exert its authority, particularly in more remote areas. In an effort to control the population, the government has attempted to reward the one-child family, by giving them higher priority for housing and welfare. Culture Chinese music is highly developed, and divided into vocal, balladic, instrumental, dance and three main systems of theatrical music. Early Chinese instruments were originally wind and percussion, such as the panpipe. Pottery, metalwork, lacquer ware and jade carving are very strong crafts in China.