On Aug. 22, China commemorated the 120th birthday of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping (鄧小平), the architect of modern China’s economic reforms. The event was marked by nationwide activities, including the issuance of commemorative stamps and seminars on the Deng Xiaoping Theory.
However, the highlight was Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) speech, which strategically leveraged Deng’s legacy to reinforce his own authority and vision for China’s future.
Deng is celebrated for dismantling the rigid Maoist structures that had stifled China’s growth, ushering in an era of economic liberalization and modernization. His policies transformed China into a global economic powerhouse, a legacy that continues to resonate deeply within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the nation.
In his speech, Xi lauded Deng’s contributions, emphasizing the need to continue advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics — a concept that Deng pioneered.
However, Xi’s invocation of Deng’s legacy goes beyond mere homage. In a political landscape in which historical narratives are powerful tools, Xi is reassembling the ideological building blocks of Maoism, albeit in a modern context. While Deng dismantled Maoism to pave the way for economic reforms, Xi is selectively reviving its elements to consolidate his own power. This approach is evident in Xi’s emphasis on the centrality of the CCP and his vision of a strong and unified China under his leadership.
Xi’s speech underscored the importance of the Deng Xiaoping Theory, calling for its thorough study and application to address contemporary challenges. By positioning himself as the true heir to Deng’s legacy, Xi seeks to legitimize his policies and strengthen his grip on power.
This strategy is not without its contradictions. While Deng’s reforms were aimed at decentralizing power and fostering economic freedom, Xi’s policies have increasingly centralized authority and tightened state control.
In this context, Xi’s commemoration of Deng’s 120th birthday can be seen as a calculated move to draw parallels between his leadership and Deng’s transformative era.
By doing so, Xi aims to project an image of continuity and stability, reassuring the public and the CCP of his capability to lead China through its challenges.
The commemoration of Deng’s birthday was not just a tribute to a revered leader, but also a strategic maneuver by Xi to bolster his own rule. By invoking Deng’s legacy, Xi is reassembling the ideological framework of Maoism in a way that cements his role as the central figure in China’s political landscape.
This blend of historical reverence and contemporary ambition underscores the complex interplay of legacy and power in China’s ongoing political evolution.
Khedroob Thondup is a former member of the Tibetan parliament in exile.
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