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Two decades ago, a wave of "discussing the issue of the criterion of truth" unfolded in mainland China. The discussion was orchestrated by Hu Yaobang with the support of Deng Xiaoping. The conclusion was that "practice is the only criterion for testing truth." In plainer terms, "any cat that catches mice is a good cat, no matter whether it is black or white." Buoyed up by the "victory" of this theory and by the foundation of mass support generated by the discussion, Deng Xiaoping effectively seized power and purged the "whatevers" faction that obstinately clung to Maoist dogma, thereby taking the first step toward reform and openness. The discussion, which went on for about half a year marked a period of relatively free speech -- a rare occurrence since the CCP's rise to power.
After once again grasping the reigns of power, Deng Xiaoping established the Four Cardinal Principles and insisted on pursuing a path of "leftist politics and rightist economics." "Practice is the only criterion for testing the truth" was replaced by "raising high the banner of Deng Xiaoping theory." The fitful, faltering nature of mainland China's progress over the past two decades bears a definite relationship to the decision of that day to liberate economic thought only and to continue to adhere to an unchanging political system.
Conceived in the service of politics, the CCP's current rehashing of "discussing the criterion of truth" is in fact intended to substitute "whatever Deng said goes" for "whatever Mao said goes." In spirit it is diametrically opposed to the ideological liberation of two decades ago.
Two Decades of Discussing the Criterion of Truth
This May marks the 20th anniversary of "discussing the criterion of truth." Reports have it that the CCP authorities are planning large-scale commemorative activities. Remembering those days, one recalls the unprecedented calamity of the Cultural Revolution. Up until the time of Mao Zedong's death, the entire country resounded with calls for a thoroughgoing critique of the Gang of Four and the Ultra-Leftist faction that reigned down catastrophe on the heads...