China's Great Leap Backwards: Xi Jinping and the cult of Mao

By Philip Wen
Updated May 16 2016 - 1:23pm, first published 12:31pm
Chinese economist and prominent Liberal critic Mao Yushi says without strong economic growth, reform is much harder. Photo: Sanghee Liu
Chinese economist and prominent Liberal critic Mao Yushi says without strong economic growth, reform is much harder. Photo: Sanghee Liu
Xi Zhongxun and his sons. Photo: Supplied
Xi Zhongxun and his sons. Photo: Supplied
Xi Zhongxun under persecution during the cultural revolution. Photo: Supplied
Xi Zhongxun under persecution during the cultural revolution. Photo: Supplied
Chinese President Xi Jinping  reviews the army during the biggest military parade in decades to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II. Photo: Ng Han Guan/AP
Chinese President Xi Jinping reviews the army during the biggest military parade in decades to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II. Photo: Ng Han Guan/AP
Xi Jinping and his father Xi Zhongxun, a war hero who later suffered during Mao's Cultural Revolution. Photo: Supplied
Xi Jinping and his father Xi Zhongxun, a war hero who later suffered during Mao's Cultural Revolution. Photo: Supplied

Beijing:  Today marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. From what would become known as the "May 16 notification", Chairman Mao plunged China into a decade of brutality and upheaval in the name of purging bourgeoisie and traditional cultural elements and consolidating Mao Zedong Thought as the dominant ideology.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

$0/

(min cost $0)

or signup to continue reading

See subscription options

Get the latest Wodonga news in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.