“The economic policies of Deng Xiaoping were mainly successful.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that he economic policies of Deng Xiaoping were mainly successful. Points made may predate the timeframe, but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the successes of the Four Modernizations and argue that Deng was responsible for an industrial revolution in China. Candidates may argue that Deng’s reforms were a complete reversal from the Maoist policy of self-reliance to increasing foreign trade. He did this through the creation of the Special Economic Zones, which saw increased foreign investment and rapid economic growth. Deng’s reforms also shifted the focus from heavy industry (under Mao) to light industry and export-led growth. Candidates may argue that there were also elements of failure. High levels of unemployment continued to be a major issue in many parts of China and living and working conditions remained low. The devastating environmental impacts of these economic developments may also be discussed. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates considered the merits or otherwise of the statement that the economic policies of Deng Xiaoping were mainly successful. This was a very popular question and there were some exceptional answers. All candidates seemed to understand the question and were able to present some balance in their response.