‘Neither in his economic nor in his political outlook could Deng Xiaoping be considered to be a liberal. ‘How far would you agree with this view?

Deng Xiaoping was a popular leader of the People’s Republic of China. He served as a leader from 1978 to 1989. He led China by introducing market economy reforms. He is called the “Architect of Modern China”.

Political outlook

Deng Xiaoping joined the  Chinese Communist Party in 1923 and first met with Mao Zedong in 1927. In 1929 he participated in the military struggle against the Kuomintang. Because of his participation in the Long March, he was considered a revolutionary veteran. He presided over Mao’s Anti-Rightist Campaign. After the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, Deng became the de facto leader of China.

Economic reforms

• Four Modernization goals were considered by Deng Xiaoping to strengthen agricultural production, industrial output, develop the defense sector, science, and technology in China.
• Three steps to economic development i.e. doubling the 1980 GNP and ensuring enough food and clothing to the people, quadruple the 1980 GNP by the 20th century, increasing the per capita GNP to the level of the medium-developed countries.

Comment

Deng tried to restore China’s domestic stability and economic growth after the recess when the economy of China was dominated by state ownership and central planning. Under his leadership, though China acquired economic growth, developed standards of living as well as expanded personal and cultural liberty.