Leadership/History - Assignment Example

Leadership/History China is technically the leading economy in the globe. The achievement did not come easily but took years of struggle with reforms. Deng is the remarkable figure in setting the pace for the Chinese economic prowess. He struggled with various reforms though under a determined opposition from the conservatives. China is traditionally a communist state that rejected any element of capitalism. However, Deng struggled to mingle and match communist with capitalism by encouraging capitalist production and investment and socialist market.

In the process of the reforms between 1992 and 1997, Deng faced a number of challenges and the process was not soft. One of the challenges related to easing of inflation that characterized the Chinese market. It was difficult to enforce the desired economic reforms with prices of goods high beyond the affordability of the citizens. Another challenge related to the foreign sanctions imposed against China so to reform its economic policies. Deng also faced opposition from the conservatives who believed in communism and did not want any policies that would contaminate socialist principles.

To prevent the reform policies from waning, Deng identified true pro-reformers and made them parts of the Chinese leadership. Deng also moved round the country and more to the south educating the public on the needs for reforms. He also held many meetings with regional political leaders and persuaded them to adopt and advance reforms. Deng replaced members of the Politburo and ensured only individuals from the successful coastal provinces occupied the arm of government. The point men worked hard and ensured rapid growth of the border regions through opening of the coasts and borders.

Deng further endorsed science and technology as the basic driving force for reforms. Deng also campaigned for the support of the Chinese military for the economic reforms. With such a support, there was nothing for Deng to fear in advocating for economic reforms. The results of the reform struggles were immense as borders opened up. Shanghai grew rapidly and supported activities that contributed to the Chinese economic prosperity. Hong Kong’s position in economic sphere improved. The reforms also led to lifting of foreign sanctions imposed on China that limited effective cross border trade.

There were significant costs apart from neutralization of the traditional socialist ideologies.