It also marked a year of strain between the U.S. and China. A Chinese-American scientist working in a top secret U.S. lab was accused of stealing nuclear secrets for the Chinese. And during an air campaign against Serbia, the U.S. accidentally bombed the Chinese embassy in Kosovo, killing three Chinese journalists. Angry Chinese students threw rocks and bottles at the U.S. embassy. The United States apologized and paid the Chinese government for damages.
People communicate by emails, faxes, and cell phones.
For years the government owned most of the factories, land and industry, but that's changing. Private businesses are expanding. And there's plenty of American influence in entertainment and culture. The capital city of Bejing has more than 300 Kentucky Fried Chicken fast food restaurants. But the government still controls society in some important ways.