Deng Xiaoping, a key figure in the history of the People’s Republic of China, had a significant impact on the nation’s political and social development. His views on protests and demonstrations are reflected in his writings and speeches, particularly in the context of maintaining social stability and economic progress.
Legal and Illegal Forms of Protest
In The Third Volume of Selected Works of Deng Xiaoping, published on December 30, 1986, Deng emphasized the importance of addressing student protests with firm measures. He noted that while some student protests may not lead to major disruptions, they are still significant events. He stressed that those who disrupt the public order must be dealt with decisively. Deng also highlighted that the leadership’s stance is crucial in handling such incidents, stating that a lack of firmness and clarity from the leadership often leads to these protests.
Deng’s views on demonstrations are further elaborated in The Third Volume of Selected Works of Deng Xiaoping, dated February 26, 1989. In this piece, he warned that if protests and demonstrations were to occur every day, economic development would be impossible. He advocated for a form of socialist democracy but cautioned against adopting Western-style democracy too hastily.
Historical Context and Legal Rights
In The First Volume of Selected Works of Mao Zedong, written on January 26, 1943, Mao discussed the concept of legal and illegal forms of protest. He explained that what is legal or illegal depends on the context, with legal forms being those that the enemy allows and illegal forms being those that are not. Mao emphasized that even in occupied territories, there is a possibility of conducting legal protests, but the effectiveness of such protests is limited. Therefore, illegal forms of protest should be the primary means of resistance, but legal forms should not be completely abandoned as they can provide support for illegal activities.
The Role of Legal and Illegal Struggles
Mao further elaborated on the relationship between legal and illegal struggles in a meeting with the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on December 28, 1964. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a democratic atmosphere while also addressing the issue of work attitude. Mao suggested that even if some individuals refuse to practice democracy, the Party should still listen to both good and bad opinions to maintain a democratic spirit.
Mao also discussed the importance of adhering to legal rights in The Fifth Volume of Selected Works of Mao Zedong, delivered on November 15, 1956. He encouraged the continuation of large-scale democratic movements, emphasizing that such movements should be used to combat class enemies, including those within the government who neglect the needs of the people. Mao noted that if officials fail to address the concerns of the people, they will eventually face consequences, such as public demonstrations or protests.
Conclusion
Deng Xiaoping and Mao Zedong both recognized the importance of maintaining social stability while also acknowledging the need for legal and illegal forms of protest. Their views reflect a nuanced understanding of the complexities of governance and the balance between maintaining order and allowing for the expression of dissent. These historical perspectives continue to inform contemporary discussions on political participation and the role of the state in ensuring both social stability and democratic engagement.
These historical reflections underscore the ongoing debate about the nature of democracy and the role of protests in a socialist context. As China continues to evolve, understanding these foundational principles remains crucial for navigating the complexities of modern governance.
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