Hu adopts quasi-Maoist tactics

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Chinese President Hu Jintao has revived a key Maoist concept - "correctly handling contradictions among the people" - so as to more effectively tackle China's growing socio-political instability.In a speech to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) politburo on the eve of the October 1 National Day, Hu urged party cadres to "boost [society's] harmonious factors to the maximum degree" through implementing policies that "match the wishes of the people, that take care of the people's worries, and that can win over the hearts of the people".The supremo also vowed that the CCP would render decision-making "scientific and democratic" and that policies would be anchored upon "the fundamental interests of the broad masses". While a number of CCP heavyweights, including politburo member and Chongqing party secretary Bo Xilai, have also re-hoisted the flag of Maoism, the president's restitution of one of the Great Helmsman's most famous slogans carries special significance.To fully understand the import of Hu's message, it is instructive to compare the background of Mao Zedong's 1957 landmark address - "On the correct handling of contradictions among the people" - and the situation unraveling today -Willy Lam/Jamestown Foundation

Reposted from Joel Skousen's World Affairs Brief

Note - As the leader of the Communist Peoples Republic of China, Mao Zedong's policies and political purges are said to have resulted in the deaths of between 50 and 70 million people.