Hua Guofeng and China’s transformation in the early years of the post-Mao era

ABSTRACT This article analyzes how Hua Guofeng contributed to China’s transformation in the early years of the post-Mao era. In approaching the central question, five sub-questions are discussed: What kind of transformation took place? Why did Hua initiate the transformation? How did Hua legitimize the transformation? Why was he able to initiate it? And why did he step down in such a short period? Soon after Mao’s death, Hua Guofeng pursued a new course of development and stability. Due to his early career, Hua was a consistent developmentalist as well as a balanced “political generalist.” Hua employed a strategy of “political falsification” and carried out de facto de-Maoization under Mao’s name. Institutional power, his privilege as Mao’s successor, and a broad supporting coalition gave Hua enough power and authority to lead China’s transformation. However, Hua had his limits and weaknesses. Hua’s contribution was significant, but it should not be overestimated.