Deng Xiaoping

About Deng Xiaoping

The leader who transformed Chinas economy through market oriented reforms while maintaining Communist Party control. Dengs Open Door policy launched Chinas economic rise, making it the second largest economy. He said it does not matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice, justifying capitalist methods under communism. Deng ordered the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. His economic reforms lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty. Deng never held the formal title of president or party chairman but was the undisputed leader. He designed the One Country Two Systems framework for Hong Kong.