Deng Xiaoping

Deng Xiaoping was a Chinese revolutionary and statesman who served as the paramount leader of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from December 1978 to November 1989. After Chinese Communist Party chairman Mao Zedong's death in 1976, Deng rose to power and led China through its process of Reform and Opening Up and the development of the country's socialist market economy. Deng developed a reputation as the "Architect of Modern China" and his ideological contributions to socialism with Chinese characteristics are described as Deng Xiaoping Theory.
deng-xiaoping

Some of the key events about Deng Xiaoping

  • 1949
    Played a key role in the Communist victory in Sichuan province during the Chinese Civil War
  • 1952
    Appointed Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China
  • 1956
    Became General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party
  • 1957
    Supported the Anti-Rightist Campaign, leading to the persecution of intellectuals
  • 1966
    Purged from leadership positions during the Cultural Revolution
  • 1975
    Appointed Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission
  • 1975
    Criticized for supporting economic reforms, leading to his second purge
  • 1977
    Returned to power after being purged during the Cultural Revolution
  • 1978
    Initiated the "Reform and Opening Up" policy, transforming China's economy
  • 1979
    Established diplomatic relations with the United States
  • 1979
    Ordered the invasion of Vietnam, resulting in thousands of casualties
  • 1980
    Created Special Economic Zones to attract foreign investment
  • 1983
    Launched the "Strike Hard" anti-crime campaign, which led to human rights abuses
  • 1984
    Negotiated the Sino-British Joint Declaration for the return of Hong Kong
  • 1986
    Suppressed student protests in Shanghai
  • 1987
    Removed reformist leader Hu Yaobang from power
  • 1989
    Ordered the military crackdown on Tiananmen Square protesters
  • 1989
    Placed reformist leader Zhao Ziyang under house arrest for the rest of his life
  • 1992
    Embarked on the "Southern Tour" to reinvigorate economic reforms
  • 1992
    Supported the continuation of one-party rule and rejected Western-style democracy

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