This article discusses the following issues: a) changes in the conditions and driving forces of economic growth; b) the development of East Asia as one of the world's largest economic regions, including China. China is currently the most dynamic country in the world, leading in many positions; c) global trends in the development of the education system, the importance of this system in human life and in a world with a high degree of uncertainty. In recent years, education has been developing in the direction of increasing depth, covering more and more broad areas. The purpose of the article is to show the factors affecting the economy and the education system of China, taking into account the global changes in the year 2020, associated with the spread of coronavirus infection and general lockdown. 2020 was a difficult year, due to the spread of coronavirus infection and lockdown. Based on the results of 2020 China was the only major economy in the world to show growth; the government promised to increase the degree of openness of the country's economy, outlined priority areas for development. In recent years, China has taken a leading position in the field of culture and science; the Chinese Government gives priority to the development of education and the improvement of the cultural level of citizens. The year 2020 was able to reshape the approach to education in record time: education systems around the world have undergone a number of significant changes; these changes have also affected China. The research materials can be used by representatives of the field of education, economics and sociology.