Educational and economic factors in evidence in the People's Republic of China (PRC) that indicate it will become a major power by the year 2000 are described. The factors were observed during a lecture tour from December 1982 to January 1983. Following a description of the lecture tour, four characteristics of the PRC's educational system are presented: (1) the amount of time students devote to school work is approximately double that of public schools in most countries; (2) key schools are used to furnish the best students with the best facilities and the most qualified teachers; (3) an examination process beginning in the fifth grade is used to filter students and track abilities into areas of need and quality; and (4) there is a heavy and increasing concentration on science, mathematics, and foreign languages. Eight facts related to economic growth focus on increasing industrial and agricultural production and on the sixth Five Year Plan (1981-1986). The article concludes by listing five basic trends evident in the PRC in January 1983: a progressive moderate government, increased freedom of movement for foreigners, higher standards of living, improved health and housing conditions, and a desire to improve international relations. (DC)