Was Deng Xiaoping a capitalist?
Some critics label my policies as capitalist, but they misunderstand our goals. Poverty is not socialism. We pursued reform and opening up to build a strong, prosperous socialist China. We integrated market mechanisms and foreign trade not to embrace capitalism, but to develop the productive forces necessary for socialism. The Communist Party retains leadership, and our ultimate aim is to achieve common prosperity for all. It's about finding the most effective path to strengthen our nation and improve the lives of our people, even if it requires unconventional methods. We seek truth from facts.
Ask Deng Xiaoping the follow-up →