In a rare and revealing conversation, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping spoke candidly with Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci about his views on Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution. The interview, conducted in 1974, is a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of one of China's most influential leaders.
Fallaci, known for her provocative and insightful questioning, began by asking Deng about the iconic portrait of Mao on the Tiananmen Gate. Deng's response was striking: 'I have been confronted with a very difficult problem,' he said. 'Either burn the books or rewrite the history.'
Deng's words were a clear reference to the chaos and destruction caused by the Cultural Revolution, which had ravaged China for nearly a decade. The leader's willingness to confront this painful legacy was a sign of his commitment to reform and modernization.
The conversation between Deng and Fallaci also touched on the issue of term limits for senior leaders. Deng expressed his dislike of the 'lifer' system, where leaders remained in power until their deaths. 'There's no stipulation that an old person must hold power,' he said. 'I dislike the idea of a lifetime tenure.'
The interview with Fallaci was a significant moment in the history of China's reform era. It marked a turning point in the country's transition from the revolutionary fervor of the Cultural Revolution to a more pragmatic and inclusive approach to governance.
Deng's conversation with Fallaci has been remembered as a classic example of his ability to think critically and challenge conventional wisdom. It also highlights the importance of open and honest communication in building trust and understanding between leaders and their people.