Mao Zedong Thought vs. Xi Jinping Thought

Attribute	Mao Zedong Thought	Xi Jinping Thought
Founder	Mao Zedong	Xi Jinping
Historical Period	20th century	21st century
Core Principles	Class struggle, mass line, self-reliance	Socialism with Chinese characteristics, national rejuvenation, people-centered development
Role in Chinese Communist Party	Established as guiding ideology	Established as guiding ideology
Impact on Chinese society	Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution	Belt and Road Initiative, poverty alleviation campaign

Background

Mao Zedong Thought and Xi Jinping Thought are two important ideological frameworks that have shaped the direction of the Chinese Communist Party and the People's Republic of China. Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China, developed his political philosophy during the Chinese Civil War and the early years of Communist rule. Xi Jinping, the current General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, has introduced his own ideological framework since coming to power in 2012.

Key Principles

Mao Zedong Thought is based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism, with an emphasis on class struggle and the need for continuous revolution. Mao believed in the importance of mass mobilization and the empowerment of the peasantry in order to achieve socialist transformation. Xi Jinping Thought, on the other hand, emphasizes the "Chinese Dream" of national rejuvenation and the importance of the "Four Comprehensives" - comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society, comprehensively deepening reform, comprehensively governing the country according to law, and comprehensively enforcing strict Party discipline.

Economic Policies

Under Mao Zedong, China implemented radical economic policies such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, which had disastrous consequences for the country's economy and society. Mao's focus was on collectivization and the elimination of capitalist elements. In contrast, Xi Jinping has pursued a policy of economic reform and opening up, similar to the path taken by Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s. Xi has emphasized the need for innovation, technological advancement, and sustainable development in order to achieve China's economic goals.

Foreign Policy

Mao Zedong's foreign policy was characterized by support for revolutionary movements around the world and a commitment to anti-imperialism. Mao famously declared that "the Chinese people have stood up" in 1949, signaling China's independence from foreign domination. Xi Jinping's foreign policy, on the other hand, has focused on promoting China's global influence through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Xi has also taken a more assertive stance on territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Leadership Style

Mao Zedong was known for his charismatic leadership style and his ability to mobilize the masses through his revolutionary rhetoric. Mao's cult of personality was a central feature of his rule, with his image and quotations prominently displayed throughout China. Xi Jinping, in contrast, has emphasized the importance of collective leadership and the need for strict Party discipline. Xi has also launched an anti-corruption campaign that has targeted high-ranking officials within the Party.

Social Policies

Under Mao Zedong, China experienced significant social upheaval as a result of policies such as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, which led to the persecution of intellectuals and the destruction of cultural artifacts. Mao's emphasis on class struggle and the need for continuous revolution created a climate of fear and uncertainty. Xi Jinping, on the other hand, has focused on promoting social stability and harmony through initiatives such as poverty alleviation and environmental protection. Xi has also introduced measures to improve healthcare and education in China.