How China Became a Superpower: The Legacy of Deng Xiaoping
Based on Wie aus China eine Supermacht wurde by NZZ
Deng Xiaoping transformed China from a struggling post-Mao economy into a global superpower through gradual market reforms and special economic zones.
The Rise of Modern China
Following the death of Mao Zedong in 1978, Deng Xiaoping assumed power in China, inheriting an economy in ruins. Mao's previous strategy, the Great Leap Forward, had prioritized heavy industry at the expense of agriculture, leading to the deadliest famine in human history. Deng, who had previously been purged from office for attempting to address these economic failures, began implementing a new vision after Mao's death.
The Four Modernizations and Economic Reform
Deng initiated an opening policy based on the Four Modernizations—agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology—a concept originally proposed by Zhou Enlai. Key elements of his strategy included:
- Agricultural Reform: Moving away from strict collectivization by allowing farmers to sell surplus produce on the free market.
- Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Establishing capitalist enclaves in cities like Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Shantou to test market-capitalist ideas and attract foreign investment through joint ventures.
- Price Liberalization: In 1987, Deng freed prices to resolve discrepancies between market and planned pricing, though this caused significant inflation and public unrest.
Political Repression and Continued Growth
The economic liberalization did not extend to political freedom. The 1989 protests on Tiananmen Square, driven by public discontent over inflation and a lack of pluralism, were violently suppressed by the government. Despite this, the reform process resumed in 1992, aiming for a socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics. This led to the privatization of unprofitable state firms, the modernization of the banking system, and China joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.
The Xi Jinping Era
Since 2013, Xi Jinping has led China, but his approach differs significantly from his predecessors. According to the host, Patrick Zoll, Xi has reversed two key elements of Deng’s success:
- Increased Centralization: By reducing the decision-making power of local party cadres, Xi has stifled local experimentation and increased fear of failure among officials.
- Erosion of Collective Leadership: By concentrating power in himself, Xi has created an environment where his inner circle is less likely to challenge him, increasing the risk of poor decision-making.