China's factories provide low cost products such as computers and cars to the rest of the world. But critics claim such economic progress takes a heavy toll, polluting the country's air, land and rivers.

Even though China ordered more than 2,000 factories to be shut down last August due to pollution, inefficiency or unsafe working conditions, the country remains a major polluter.

Pollution from factories has poisoned potable water supplies and has even led to deaths among the surrounding populace.

On this edition of 101 East, we ask if China is sacrificing its environment and people to feed its ever-growing economic powerhouse.

This episode of 101 East airs from Thursday, February 3, 2011 at the following times GMT: Thursday: 2230; Friday: 0930; Saturday: 0330; Sunday: 1630.