Abstract

The caselet takes a detailed look at the initiatives taken by Zhao Ziyang, former secretary-general of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), to bring about economic reforms in China. It explains how the strengthening of relations with the west led to the pro-democracy movement in China.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Introduction of radical and capitalist reforms in China and its advantages
• Introduction of reforms aimed at systemization of democracy
• and Zhao’s effort to change political system in China

Keywords

People's Commune, Zhao Ziyang, Chinese Communist Party (CCP), economic crisis, politburo standing committee, Republic of China, People's Liberation Army, economic reforms, special economic zones (SEZs), democratization, Tiananmen Square