china under reform - Leland Stayton

China Under Reform:

“Reform and Opening-Up” (改革开放) in late 20th and early 21st century China.

Abstract:

The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed a remarkable transformation in China, led by Deng Xiaoping. His era of "Reform and Opening-Up" marked a significant departure from Maoist orthodoxy and the catastrophic Cultural Revolution. Deng's pragmatic approach focused on rejuvenating the economy, leading to unprecedented GDP growth and establishing China as a global economic powerhouse. To achieve this, Deng adopted market-oriented policies and engaged in international collaboration, establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to experiment with capitalist principles. Deng's reforms extended beyond economics to social and political spheres, dismantling the rigid hukou system, promoting entrepreneurship, and enabling rural-urban migration. Deng's "one country, two systems" policy facilitated the return of Hong Kong and Macao to Chinese sovereignty while maintaining their unique identities. Although Deng was a transformative leader, it is essential to note that many reforms began before 1978 under Mao, and the 1978 schism is often exaggerated. Ultimately, it was the ingenuity and hankerings of the Chinese people— along with Deng's leadership—that laid the groundwork for China's remarkable transition, leaving an enduring impact on the nation's trajectory and shaping the modern global superpower.