In 1978, the People's Republic of China, led de facto by Deng Xiaoping, entered a turning point after the Cultural Revolution, shifting its priorities toward economic modernization. Hua Guofeng remained formally Chairman of the Communist Party, but Deng Xiaoping's influence grew steadily over the year.
🏛️ Politics
The People's Republic of China was a one-party state ruled by the Chinese Communist Party, with Hua Guofeng as Party Chairman and Premier. Deng Xiaoping, rehabilitated in 1977, consolidated his position and promoted the slogan 'Seek truth from facts' against rigid adherence to Maoist doctrine. The Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee in December set aside class struggle as the main task and endorsed a focus on economic development and the 'reform and opening up' policy. Rehabilitation of people persecuted in earlier political campaigns began on a large scale.
⚖️ Economy and society
China was a largely rural, planned economy with collectivized agriculture in people's communes and low living standards. In Anhui's Xiaogang village, peasants secretly experimented with household farming contracts in late 1978. Universities, which had resumed national entrance examinations in late 1977, enrolled their first cohort of students under the restored system in early 1978.
🔬 Science
The National Science Conference held in March called for modernization of science and technology and rehabilitated intellectuals, with Deng Xiaoping stating that scientists were part of the working class. The first group of Chinese students were sent to study in the United States, following a decision made that year.
🎭 Culture
Cultural life gradually relaxed after the Cultural Revolution; 'scar literature' emerged, and the Beijing 'Democracy Wall' appeared from late 1978 as a space for posters and public criticism.
Key events
- The National Science Conference opened in Beijing, promoting science and technology as key to modernization.
- The newspaper Guangming Daily published the article 'Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth', launching a debate that supported Deng Xiaoping's reformist line.
- China and Japan signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
- The United States and China announced they would establish full diplomatic relations from 1 January 1979.
- The Third Plenum of the 11th Central Committee opened in Beijing, lasting until 22 December, and launched the reform and opening-up policy.
Historical context
- 1966–1976
The Cultural Revolution caused severe political turmoil, economic disruption and widespread persecution, and ended with Mao Zedong's death in 1976.
- 1978–1990s
Market-oriented reforms, agricultural decollectivization and special economic zones transformed China into a rapidly growing economy.
- 1976–1981
Hua Guofeng's period as top leader gave way to Deng Xiaoping's dominance of the leadership.