7.17. Reforms from 1978

The Cultural Revolution was followed by a process of political manoeuvring. Deng Xiaoping kept party control strong while introducing a socialist market economy. In 1978, the Party declared its goal as the Four Modernisations (to develop science, industry, agriculture, defence).

After the Cultural Revolution, which caused significant political upheaval, Deng Xiaoping emerged as a key leader. He maintained the Communist Party's hold on power but recognized the need for economic reform. In 1978, the Party set ambitious goals called the 'Four Modernisations', focusing on advancements in various sectors: science, industry, agriculture, and defense. This initiative aimed to strengthen China's economy and military capabilities while still under the Communist Party's political control.

Imagine a company struggling to thrive in a rapidly changing market. The management realizes that while they need to innovate, they must also keep their original mission intact. Thus, they decide to modernize their product lines (like developing new technologies and improving farming techniques) while also focusing on employee training and enhancing their infrastructure.

Debate was allowed as long as the Party was not questioned. In this new and liberating climate, as at the time of the May Fourth movement 60 years earlier, there was an exciting explosion of new ideas.

With the new reforms, the Communist Party began allowing more open discussions about economic strategies, provided these did not challenge the Party's authority. This created an environment conducive to innovation and creativity reminiscent of earlier reform periods in Chinese history, such as the May Fourth Movement. Intellectuals, farmers, and business leaders began sharing ideas that could lead to improvements in the economy and overall society, as the push for modernization led to increased dialogues around necessary changes.

Consider a high school that establishes a student council, allowing students to present ideas about school improvements. As a result, students feel empowered to contribute their opinions on various matters, leading to a vibrant environment where new clubs, activities, and changes to school policies emerge. Just as students advocate for their needs, Chinese citizens started voicing their thoughts creatively while working within the constraints of the Communist Party's control.

On 5 December 1978, a wall-poster, ‘The Fifth Modernisation’ proclaimed that without Democracy the other modernisations would come to nothing. It went on to criticise the CCP for not solving the problem of poverty or ending sexual exploitation, even citing cases of such abuse from within the Party. These demands were suppressed, but in 1989 on the seventieth anniversary of the May Fourth movement many intellectuals called for a greater openness and an end to ‘ossified dogmas’ (su shaozhi).

In December 1978, a provocative wall-poster emerged, introducing the concept of the 'Fifth Modernisation' – democracy. The poster argued that without democratic reforms, the economic advancements wouldn't be sustainable. It openly criticized the Communist Party for its failures in addressing poverty and reported incidents of sexual exploitation within its ranks. While the government silenced these voices, discontent brewed, ultimately leading to the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, where many called for political reforms alongside economic ones, echoing sentiments from the earlier May Fourth Movement.

Think of a community that successfully builds a beautiful park but neglects to establish regulations for its use. Eventually, vandalism and misuse become rampant, proving that without a governing structure or community input on rules, all beautification efforts may lead to chaos. Similarly, the Chinese citizens recognized that economic growth without democratic structure could lead to corruption and inequality.

Student demonstrators at Tiananmen Square in Beijing were brutally repressed. This was strongly condemned around the world.

The demonstrations at Tiananmen Square in 1989 showcased the people's demand for greater political freedom and reform in response to the increasing discontent with the Communist leadership. These protests ultimately met violent repression from the government, which faced international criticism for its actions. The global reaction highlighted the international community's growing concern for human rights in China.

Imagine a town meeting where residents express their frustrations about rising costs and lack of community support, seeking changes. However, the town leadership reacts with forceful police action to silence the critics, resulting in public outrage and media coverage from neighboring towns. The reaction to the suppression of dissent can unify and generate support for future movements, just like the Tiananmen protests galvanized global attention to issues in China.

The post-reform period has seen the emergence of debates on ways to develop China. The dominant view supported by the Party is based on strong political control, economic liberalisation and integration into the world market. Critics argue that increasing inequalities between social groups, between regions and between men and women are creating social tensions, and question the heavy emphasis on the market.

Following the reforms, discussions on the best pathways for China's development have intensified. The government's emphasis on maintaining a strong political grip while allowing for some economic freedoms aims to stimulate growth. However, critics point to growing inequalities that these policies have exacerbated, with significant disparities arising between different social groups and women. This tension between economic growth and social equity represents an ongoing challenge for China's future.

Consider an employer who raises wages without addressing the workplace environment. While employees may appreciate higher pay, they might also become frustrated with poor working conditions. As people voice their concerns about inequity, the issue becomes larger, transforming what could have been a positive development into a source of conflict.

Finally, there is a growing revival of earlier so-called ‘traditional’ ideas, of Confucianism and arguments that China can build a modern society following its own traditions rather than simply copying the West.

Amidst the economic changes, there’s a resurgence of interest in traditional Chinese values, particularly Confucian ideas that emphasize social harmony, respect for authority, and ethical governance. Advocates for this revival argue that modern society can draw from these traditions to forge a unique identity rather than merely imitating Western models. This could mean integrating moral principles from Confucianism into policies and social practices to create a modern yet culturally relevant Chinese society.

This can be likened to a restaurant that seeks to modernize its menu while still honoring traditional recipes. By blending contemporary flavors with time-honored cooking methods, the restaurant can attract both traditional diners and younger customers looking for innovation. In the same way, China seeks to balance modernity with its rich cultural heritage.

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