The political, cultural, and social factors that have influenced English language teaching in the People's Republic of China's colleges are examined. First, a brief history of English teaching in China is presented, beginning in the mid-19th century and focusing on the 1949 Revolution, the 1960 Sino-Soviet split, and the the Cultural Revolution of 1966-76. As part of the current Four-Modernization movement, English instruction now begins at the elementary level and is required in almost all Chinese colleges. To meet the demand outside the schools, instruction is also broadcast on national and local stations several times a day. The influence of sociocultural factors in teaching materials, methodology, teacher education, and learner behavior is discussed, especially at the higher education level and in relation to the traditional Chinese educational system. Changes resulting from visiting foreigners teaching English in the country are also noted. Continuing efforts to bring new materials, methodology, and cross-cultural communication to China and to try to tailor English instruction to the specific situations in which it is taught are recommended. (MSE)