During China’s economic reform in 1978, people thought workers in China would be treated better as income levels rose.

While China has seen improvements in terms of civil society and pro-labor movements, labor rights protection in China still lacks institutionalization due to the state’s heavy involvement and monopoly on trade unions.

To similar socialist countries such as North Korea that may start engaging in international trade, China represents the extent to which countries can achieve rapid development. Transitioning countries such as North Korea can learn from China’s lessons in balancing state intervention with market forces without disrupting its entire labor