China experienced rapid economic development due to several key factors. First, China introduced structural reforms on its own initiative, unlike India and Pakistan where such reforms were forced by international agencies. This allowed China to implement reforms systematically and at its own pace.

Second, China successfully used the 'market system without losing political commitment'. While adopting market mechanisms, China retained political control, which helped raise growth levels along with poverty alleviation. Unlike India and Pakistan which are privatizing public sector enterprises, China used the market mechanism to 'create additional social and economic opportunities'.

Third, agricultural reforms played a crucial role. By retaining collective ownership of land and allowing individuals to cultivate lands, China ensured social security in rural areas. Handing over plots of land to individuals for cultivation brought prosperity to a vast number of poor people and created conditions for phenomenal growth in rural industries.

Fourth, China followed the classical development pattern of gradual shift from agriculture to manufacturing and then to services. China's industrial sector maintained a high growth rate, leading to a rapid increase in GDP per capita compared to India and Pakistan.

Finally, public intervention in providing social infrastructure even prior to reforms brought positive results in human development indicators. The one-child norm also arrested population growth, contributing to economic development.