Power play: Why China plays down Deng Xiaoping’s anniversary

Deng is still regarded as „the architect-in-chief for reform and open-up“ and the key figure leading China to the path of prosperity. However, Xi Jinping might have been somewhat reluctant to give a nod to official commemorating activities for the 120th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping’s birth, which fell on August 22. Since taking office in 2012, Xi has been conspicuously downplaying Deng’s historical status, often omitting Deng as well as other leaders between Deng and himself when citing the legacy of his predecessors.