Name: Dian Wulandari

Student ID number: 016202100196

During the period from 1949 to 1976, Mao Zedong implemented a pure communist political
system in China. Here are some key aspects of the communist system under Mao's rule:
1. One-party rule : Mao concentrated all political power in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
and established a regime similar to that of Vladimir Lenin in the Soviet Union. The CCP ruled
as a "democratic dictatorship" in the name of the workers, peasants, and small merchants. Party
leaders made decisions on laws, policies, and government officials 1.
2. Totalitarian dictatorship: The political system under Mao can be described as a totalitarian
dictatorship. Mao exercised absolute control over the government and the party, and dissent or
opposition to his rule was not tolerated.
3. Collectivization and land reform : Mao implemented land reform policies to redistribute land
from landlords to peasants, aiming to eliminate feudalism and create a classless society. He
also promoted collectivization, where peasants were organized into communes and shared
resources and labor.
4. Socialist economic policies : Mao's economic policies aimed to transform China into a socialist
society. He launched campaigns such as the Great Leap Forward, which aimed to rapidly
industrialize and modernize China's economy through collective farming and backyard
industries. However, these policies resulted in economic setbacks and widespread famine.
5. Cultural Revolution : In the 1960s, Mao initiated the Cultural Revolution, a mass movement
aimed at purging perceived bourgeois elements and reinforcing communist ideology. This led
to widespread social and political upheaval, with the Red Guards targeting intellectuals, party
officials, and traditional cultural practices.
6. Centralized control : Mao exercised centralized control over all aspects of society, including
education, media, and culture. He sought to shape the thoughts and beliefs of the population
through propaganda and ideological campaigns.

1Lim, K. (2017). On the shifting spatial logics of socioeconomic regulation in post-1949 China. Territory,
Politics, Governance, 5, 65 - 91. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622671.2015.1099466.
It is important to note that while Mao's communist system had its goals and ideals, it also had
significant shortcomings and resulted in social and economic upheaval. The system underwent
significant changes after Mao's death in 1976, with subsequent leaders implementing economic
reforms and opening up China to the global market.

So What were the strategic thoughts of Deng Xiao ping when reforming the communist
system introduced by Mao Ze Dong in China?

Deng Xiaoping, a prominent leader in China, implemented several strategic thoughts when
reforming the communist system introduced by Mao Zedong. His primary objective was to
modernize and develop China's economy while maintaining the Communist Party's political
control. Deng Xiaoping's strategic thoughts when reforming the communist system introduced by
Mao Zedong in China were centered around the idea of modernization. He believed that in order
for China to compete on a global scale, it needed to embrace economic reforms and open up to the
outside world. Deng's approach was pragmatic and focused on achieving results rather than
adhering to strict ideological principles. One of the key elements of Deng's strategy was the
concept of 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics'. This meant that while China would continue
to be a socialist country, it would also adopt elements of capitalism and market-oriented policies.
Deng believed that this hybrid system would allow for greater economic growth and development,
while still maintaining the core principles of socialism. Overthrowing the existing economic
system for a more open one: Deng's theory did not suggest improvement or development of China's
restricted economic system, but rather toppling it in favor of a more open one. Deng believed that
the task facing China's leadership was twofold: promoting the modernization of the Chinese
economy and preserving the ideological unity of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its
control over the difficult reforms required by modernization. Material incentives and the
development of skilled technical and managerial elites. Deng became closely allied with
pragmatist leaders such as Liu Shaoqi, who stressed the use of material incentives and the
formation of skilled technical and managerial elites in China’s quest for economic development 2.
Institution of the world’s most rigorous family-planning program Deng's most important social
reform was the institution of the world’s most rigorous family-planning program—the one-child

2 (Tyler, 1997)
policy—in order to control China’s burgeoning population 3. Improvement of the economic status
of the people: Deng Xiaoping's first goal was to improve the economic status of the people, which
has been accomplished 4. Maintaining the CCP's absolute grip on power: Deng was always at heart
a Leninist and strongly believed that China needed the CCP to provide leadership and prevent
chaos 5.

Deng Xiaoping's strategic thoughts were focused on modernizing the Chinese economy and
overturning the current economic system in favor of a more open one. He believed that the CCP
needed to maintain its control over the difficult reforms required by modernization and that the
development of skilled technical and managerial elites was essential for China's economic
development. Deng's most important social reform was the institution of the one-child policy to
control China's burgeoning population. Despite his emphasis on economic reform, Deng was a
Leninist who believed that the CCP needed to maintain its absolute grip on power to prevent chaos.
Assessing the effectiveness of Deng Xiaoping's strategic thoughts for problem solutions in
China requires a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes and impacts of his policies. While the
provided search result does not directly address this assessment, we can still evaluate the
effectiveness based on historical accounts and scholarly research. Effectiveness of Deng
Xiaoping's strategic thoughts:
1. Economic reforms: Deng's economic reforms, which included the introduction of market-
oriented policies and opening up to foreign investment, were largely successful in
transforming China's economy. This led to significant economic growth, increased
industrialization, and poverty reduction. The reforms helped lift millions of people out of
poverty and improved the overall standard of living in China.
2. Population control: The institution of the one-child policy was effective in controlling
China's population growth. It helped to curb the rapid population increase and alleviate the
strain on resources and infrastructure. However, the policy also had unintended
consequences, such as gender imbalance and demographic challenges, which have been
subjects of criticism.

3 (Tyler, 1997)
4 (Denmark, 2018)
5 Xiang-quan, Z. (2006). On Deng Xiaoping's View of Authority of Law. Journal of Sichuan Normal

University.
 3. Technological advancements: Deng's emphasis on modernization and technological
development contributed to China's progress in various sectors, including manufacturing,
infrastructure, and information technology. This has positioned China as a global economic
powerhouse and a leader in certain industries.
4. Social stability: Deng's focus on economic development and improving living standards
helped to maintain social stability in China. The reforms provided opportunities for upward
mobility and improved the overall quality of life for many Chinese citizens.
5. Challenges and negative consequences: Despite the successes, Deng's policies also faced
challenges and had negative consequences. Income inequality increased as a result of
market-oriented reforms, leading to a wealth gap between urban and rural areas.
Environmental degradation and pollution also became significant issues due to rapid
industrialization and urbanization.

In conclusion, Deng Xiaoping's strategic thoughts had a significant impact on China's

development and brought about notable achievements in economic growth, poverty reduction, and
population control. However, there were also challenges and negative consequences associated
with these policies, such as income inequality and environmental issues. Assessing the overall
effectiveness of Deng's strategic thoughts requires considering both the positive outcomes and the
challenges that arose as a result of his reforms.

Reference :
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (Invalid Date). Deng Xiaoping. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Deng-Xiaoping
Chang, M. H. (1996). The Thought of Deng Xiaoping. Communist and Post-Communist Studies,
29(4), 377–394. http://www.jstor.org/stable/45301989
Denmark, A. (2018, December 19). 40 years ago, Deng Xiaoping changed China and the world.
The New York Times, (Monkey Cage). ttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-
cage/wp/2018/12/19/40-years-ago-deng-xiaoping-changed-china-and-the-world/
Lim, K. (2017). On the shifting spatial logics of socioeconomic regulation in post-1949 China.
Territory, Politics, Governance, 5, 65 - 91. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622671.2015.1099466.
Tyler, P. E. (1997, February 20). Deng Xiaoping: A Political Wizard Who Put China on the
Capitalist Road. The New York Times, (CHINA AFTER DENG).
https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/20/world/deng-xiaoping-a-political-wizard-who-put-china-
on-the-capitalist-road.html
Peng, L. (2014). Pre-1949 Chinese IR: an occluded history. Australian Journal of International
Affairs, 68, 133 - 155. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357718.2013.861385.
Zhi-qiang, J. (2009). On DENG Xiao-ping’s Tactics of China’s Political Reform. Journal of
Jiangxi Institute of Education.
Xiang-quan, Z. (2006). On Deng Xiaoping's View of Authority of Law. Journal of Sichuan
Normal University.