China: Yesterday, Today And Future

By Imtiyaz Razak -June 5, 2014

Dr. Imtiyaz Razak

A quarter century ago today, [June 4, 1989], China had experienced one of large anti-regime protests since 1978. It is commonly known as the June Fourth Incident or ’89 Democracy Movement. Students from Beijing University [where I earned my Masters degree in International Politics in 1996] and students from some universities in Beijing joined the popular demonstrations in Beijing.

There are socio-economic origin behind the rebellions, protests and mobilization. Rebellion or revolutions do not occur in the absence of social and economic problems. Studies on political mobilizations in China suggest interesting reasons behind the students-led popular movement. Chinese history is full of revolutions and rebellions since 17th century. Some rebellions succeeded and some failed. One of the successful rebellions against the regime is the Chinese communist party led revolution aiming at overthrowing the regime led by Chinese nationalists, commonly known as KMT.

Tiananmen Square Massacre

Since the communists led by Mao Zedong capture of power in 1949, there was another rebellion against the regime. This rebellion led by Mao Zedong against the communist party.This is commonly known as cultural revolution. Though Mao mobilized and lead the rebellion, it didn’t succeed its major goals, but proved Chinese spirt of protests. The death of Mao Zedong brought what is described as capitalists roaders to power. Deng Xioping, close associate of Mao Zedng and an ardent pro-market comrade during Mao’s period, as expected, came to power.

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