| Deng
Xiaoping's inspection Tour to south China
In January 1992 at the crucial juncture of China's reform and opening
up program, Comrade Deng Xiaoping paid an inspection tour to south
China where he delivered a series of speeches aimed to clarify the
muddled idea about whether the establishment of special economic
zones is of "capitalism" or socialism" in nature.
Editors Notes from People Daily Online: In January 1992 at the crucial
juncture of China's reform and opening up program, Comrade Deng
Xiaoping paid an inspection tour to south China where he delivered
a series of speeches aimed to clarify the muddled idea about whether
the establishment of special economic zones is of "capitalism"
or socialism" in nature.
People within the Party generally learned about this from a document
of the CPC Central Committee, while the majority of Chinese common
people knew this from a news report entitled "Vigor of Spring
Greets the Eyes as the East Wind Comes" relayed from newspapers
and magazines nationwide. This report indeed triggered a strong
repercussion nationwide.
Today, as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the publication
of the speech given by Deng Xiaoping during his south China tour,
we once again present this news report to all of you, so that we
together cherish the memory of Deng Xiaoping, the chief architect
of China's reform and opening up program.
As the New Year set in, Shenzhen, in a bright and valiant look,
was striding ahead on the road of reform and opening up.
It was at that time that our respected and beloved Comrade Deng
Xiaoping came to Shenzhen!
In the crucial period of China's socialist modernization drive,
the arrival of Comrade Xiaoping was the greatest concern and support
for the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, as well as the greatest
encouragement and spur to the Shenzhen people.
Part I
At around 8:00 a.m. January 19, on the Shenzhen railway platform,
several provincial and city leading members and a crowd of other
people were waiting for Deng's arrival with great excitement.
He's come! Then there came the rumbling sound from afar, followed
by a long train which stopped by the railway platform at 9 sharp
in the morning.
Before long, Comrade Deng Xiaoping made his appearance! People's
eyes and the flashlight immediately turned to this great man.
He looked very healthy, with a pair of bright, piercing eyes, a
kindly, smiling face, wearing a dark gray jacket and black Western-style
trousers. Glowing with health and vigor, he walked out of the car.
After an interval of eight years, he once again stepped onto Shenzhen,
a piece of land in the forefront of reform and opening up.
After alighting from the car, the smiling Deng shook hands with
Xie Fei, secretary of the Guangdong provincial Party committee;
Li Hao, secretary of the Shenzhen city Party committee and Mayor
Zheng Liangyu, who had come there to welcome the leader.
Comrade Deng Xiaoping, together with the provincial and municipal
leading members got on board a mid-sized bus which steered direct
to the guest house. Considering that Deng had traveled a long journey,
the city responsible member persuaded the grand old man to take
a good rest.
However, Comrade Xiaoping showed not the least fatigue. He said,
"Now I've come to Shenzhen, I want to have a look everywhere."
It is widely known that Comrade Deng Xiaoping was the principal
decision-maker of the establishment of special economic zones. As
early as April 1979, after listening to the reports given by the
main leader of the Guangdong provincial Party committee, Deng said:
We can mark out a piece of land and call it a special zone, like
the case of the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Special Zone. The central
government had no money, and you should do this by relying on your
own resources. In August the following year, the National People's
Congress formally adopted and promulgated the "Regulations
on Guangdong Provincial Special Economic Zones, thus heralding the
birth of China's special economic zones. The Shenzhen Special Economic
Zone is one of the earliest experimental areas for reform and opening
up. Comrade Xiaoping showed great concern about its development.
In January 1984, he went to Shenzhen on an inspection tour. Eight
years had elapsed. What changes had taken place in the face of Shenzhen?
This grand old man was eager to have a look at it by himself.
On January 26, 1984, Comrade Xiaoping wrote the inscriptions for
the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, which read, "The development
and experiences of Shenzhen have proved the correctness of our policy
on the establishment of special economic zones."
In 1984, construction of the special economic zone encountered
a lot of difficulties and resistance, some people adopted a wait-and-see
attitude toward the establishment of special economic zones. Deng's
inscriptions meant decisive support to the construction of the special
zone, reinforced people's determination and confidence in the special
zone, and gave a push to the further advancement of the construction
of the special zone.
Accompanied by provincial and city responsible leading members,
Comrade Xiaoping had a sight-seeing in the city. In the previous
eight years, here was still a place with paddy fields, fish- ponds,
small paths and low houses. Now in 1992, this place was crisscrossed
by wide roads, a block of high-rises towering into the sky and full
of a of modernization flavor. Deng was very happy to see such a
prospering and vigorous scene. Just as he said later, "eight
years have passed, this time I come to see that Shenzhen, Zhuhai
and some other localities have undergone rapid development, it is
really out of my expectations. After seeing all this, I've got enhanced
confidence."
While having a sight-seeing in the city, Comrade Xiaoping talked
cordially with the provincial and municipal responsible members.
While speaking about the establishment of special economic zones,
Xiaoping said: From the very outset there were different opinions
concerning the establishment of special economic zones, fearing
whether this meant practicing capitalism. Shenzhen's construction
achievements have answered those having worries of one kind or another,
the special zone is "socialist", not "capitalist"
in nature. Judged from the situation in Shenzhen, public ownership
is the mainstay, foreign investment accounts for only one-fourth.
Take that part of foreign capital for example, we can benefit from
taxation and labor service! Don't be afraid the establishment of
more Sino-foreign cooperative enterprises, Sino-foreign joint ventures
and solely foreign-owned businesses. We need not be afraid so long
as we are clear-headed. We have advantages, large and medium-sized
State-owned enterprises and township enterprises, more importantly,
we have the political power in our own hands.
Speaking of the question regarding economic development, Comrade
Xiaoping said: the "four small dragons" (Hong Kong, Taiwan,
Singapore and South Korea) in Asia have developed very rapidly,
so has your development. Guangdong should strive to catch up with
the said "four small dragons" in Asia in a 20-years' time.
After a while, he added not only should we push up the economy,
we should also create a good social order and a good social mood.
We should surpass them in material development and cultural and
ethical progress, this and this alone can be regarded as socialism
with Chinese characteristics. Singaporean social order is good,
because the country put it under strict control, we should learn
from its experiences and should exercise better management of society.
Part II
The building of the National Trade Plaza towers into the sky. That
is the pride of the Shenzhen people. The builders of Shenzhen have
set the record of putting up a "three-storied building a day",
which becomes the symbol of the "Shenzhen tempo". Those
Chinese and foreigners who have been in Shenzhen invariably ascended
the revolving restaurant at the top of the building and looked far
into the landscape of Shenzhen city.
In the revolving restaurant on the 53rd floor, Comrade Xiaoping
overlooked the whole city of Shenzhen. He was very happy at the
sight of a flourishing situation featuring row upon row of high-rises.
After sitting down, he first had a look at the general planning
chart of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. Then, Li Hao reported
to Comrade Xiaoping about Shenzhen's reform, opening up and economic
construction. Li Hao said Shenzhen's economic construction proceeded
very rapidly, and people's living standards had been greatly raised,
with per-capita income standing at 600 yuan in 1984 and 2,000 yuan
now in 1992. Great headway had been made in the reform and opening
up endeavor. He added: "in the previous few years we have recorded
simultaneous material and cultural development in Shenzhen. The
local people are firm and unshakable and are full of confidence
in the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
After listening to the report, Comrade Deng and the provincial
and municipal responsible members had lengthy talks.
Comrade Xiaoping fully affirmed the achievements gained in Shenzhen's
reform, opening up and construction. Then, he pointed to the need
to adhere to the line, principles and policies instituted since
the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist
Party of China in December 1978. The key to this lay in adhering
to the "one center" (the central task of economic construction)
and two basic points" (adherence to the four cardinal principles
and implementation of reform and the open policy). Failing to adhere
to socialism, to carry out reform and opening up, to develop economy
and to improve people's livelihood can only lead up to a blind alley.
The basic line governs one hundred years and must not be shaken.
Comrade Xiaoping said: we should persist in taking on two tasks--one
is to carry out reform and opening up, the other is to clamp down
on various criminal activities. And we must attach equal importance
to both.
Comrade Xiaoping also referred to the need for China to maintain
stability: Leading cadres and Party members should tackle the construction
of a clean and honest government as a major task; pay attention
to the training of a young generation of successors, and other important
issues.
In the course of conversation, Comrade Xiaoping stressed the need
to do more practical and useful things, and avoid indulgence in
empty talks. He said: it won't do to hold too many meetings and
write lengthy articles. At this point, the grand old man pointed
to a block of high-rise buildings outside the window, saying that
Shenzhen's rapid development was the result of doing solid work,
not the outcome of delivering speeches or writing articles.
Comrade Xiaoping was in high spirits and a strong mood for talking.
In the revolving restaurant of the National Trade Plaza, this grand
old man had been talking for over 30 minutes, which gave profound
education and encouragement to those present. People were overjoyed
at the good health and strong vigor of Comrade Xiaoping.
Part III
After leaving the National Trade Plaza, Comrade Xiaoping went to
the Shenzhen Shinco Laser Company on a visit.
Shinco Laser Company, a high-tech enterprise operating with advanced
production technology imported from the Dutch Philips Company, is
the only firm producing laser disc, video disc and light disc. Party,
State and army leaders including Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, Wang Zhen,
Tian Jiyun and Liu Huaqing had come one after another to inspect
the company.
When the car arrived at the company, Ye Huaming, board chairman
of the company, and others rushed forward to have warm handshakes
with Comrade Xiaoping.
Someone says Ye Huaming is a son of General Ye Ting.
Holding Ye's hands, Comrade Xiaoping asked cordially: "Are
you the second son?"
"No, I'm the fourth", Ye Huaming answered with four of
his fingers stretching out.
Part III
After leaving the National Trade Plaza, Comrade Xiaoping went to
the Shenzhen Shinco Laser Company on a visit.
Shinco Laser Company, a high-tech enterprise operating with advanced
production technology imported from the Dutch Philips Company, is
the only firm producing laser disc, video disc and light disc. Party,
State and army leaders including Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, Wang Zhen,
Tian Jiyun and Liu Huaqing had come one after another to inspect
the company.
When the car arrived at the company, Ye Huaming, board chairman
of the company, and others rushed forward to have warm handshakes
with Comrade Xiaoping.
Someone says Ye Huaming is a son of General Ye Ting.
Holding Ye's hands, Comrade Xiaoping asked cordially: "Are
you the second son?"
"No, I'm the fourth", Ye Huaming answered with four of
his fingers stretching out.
"Oh! We haven't seen each other for nearly 40 years,"
said Comrade Xiaoping feelingly.
"Yes, I was still a child at that time, now I'm over 50."
"Where is your younger brother Ye Zhengguang working?"
Comrade Xiaoping showed great concern for the descendents of revolutionaries.
Ye Huaming said, "in Hainan Island."
It turned out that after General Ye Ting unfortunately died in
an aviation accident in 1946, Ye Huaming left Yan'an in May that
year untill 1953, between 1952 and 1960, Ye Zhengguang lived in
the home of Marshal Nie Rongzhen. Comrade Xiaoping kept constant
contacts with Nie, so he saw the two brothers at that time.
In the company's guesthouse, Comrade Xiaoping listened to the introduction
about the company's situation. Shinco Laser Company was formally
put into production on October 12 last year, making China the fourth
country, after the Netherlands, Japan and the United States, that
can produce laser video and gramophone discs. The company has an
annual production capacity of 5 million laser gramophone and 1.5
million video discs and 50,000 laser video tape and gramophone record
players each.
Then he watched the demonstration of the characteristics, sound
effect, function and retrieval capability of laser video discs with
great interest. When he watched the documentary film titled "Our
Elder Sister Deng (Yingchao)", he said to Xie Fei, secretary
of the Guangdong provincial Party committee, "I'm 88 years
old this year, Comrade Deng Yingchao and I were born in the same
year of 1904. I was born in August, and she was half a year older
than me."
Comrade Xiaoping was born on August 22, 1904 in Paifang Village,
Xiexing Township, Guang'an County of Sichuan Province.
Comrade Xiaoping went on to say, "Comrade Deng Yingchao is
a native of Henan Province." His daughter Deng Nan said, "No,
she is a native of Guangxi". Comrade Xiaoping corrected her,
saying, "her ancestral home was Henan. Guangxi was the place
where she was born and grew up." Comrade Xiaoping was very
familiar with Elder Sister Deng.
Amateur singer Zhao Min, a Sichuan native of the company, sang
a Karaoke song, "In the Hopeful Field" for Comrade Xiaoping
who spoke highly of the voice and sound effect of the singer.
When he walked through the 30-meter-long passage leading from the
guesthouse to the video disks workshop, many workers and staff members
standing by the passage accorded Comrade Xiaoping a warm welcome.
Comrade Xiaoping asked, "How old are these employees?"
Ye Huaming answered, "most of them are aged between 25 and
30, recruited from various parts of the country, most of them are
scientific and technical personnel."
Hearing this, Comrade Xiaoping said happily, "Very good, high-tech
projects should be entrusted to the young people, and our hope is
pinned on them."
When Ye Huaming said his workshop had to produce some laser video
disks for foreign films every year, Comrade Xiaoping asked, "How
is the question of copyright solved?"
Ye Huaming answered, "We purchased the copyright from the
foreign film company in accordance with international rules."
Comrade Xiaoping was satisfied with this, "It should be done
so and related international rules on intellectual property rights
should be abided by."
While walking alongside the company's responsible member, Comrade
Xiaoping asked questions, such as whether the company had to import
raw materials, whether China currently can produce such materials,
and whether product quality can be guaranteed, the company official
answered the questions one by one.
Before leaving the workshop, Comrade Xiaoping asked about the company's
production targets for the year. Ye Huaming said, "This year
we will produce 500,000 laser video discs, 250 laser video films,
breaking down equally into Chinese and foreign films, these include
science and education films and some Karaoke films, with gross output
value exceeding 300 million yuan and 80 million yuan of profits".
Comrade Xiaoping happily said, that's good, I hope you will strive
to attain this goal.
Comrade Xiaoping first went to Shinco Laser Company on a visit,
which greatly inspired the company's employees. Ye Huaming, board
chairman of the company, said to the reporter, "I've grown
up under the care and support of veteran comrades inside the Party,
I'm particularly happy when I see Comrade Xiaoping being in good
health. I'm determined to do my work better during Shenzhen's second
10-year construction, so as to live up to the earnest expectations
of Comrade Xiaoping."
Part IV
On January 22, there were beautiful spring days in Shenzhen and
spring was very much in the air in Xianhu Botanical Garden. Today,
Comrade Xiaoping and President Yang Shangkun brought along with
them three generations of the two families to come to the botanical
garden on sight-seeing, bringing infinite joy to the areas inside
and outside the garden.
At 9:45 a.m., Comrade Xiaoping, accompanied by leading provincial
and municipal cadres, came to Xianhu Botanical Garden.
President Yang Shangkun who had come here earlier, warmly shook
hands with Comrade Xiaoping. Then they stepped into the exhibition
hall to view the mold of the botanical garden. After hearing the
introduction given on the situation of the garden, Comrade Xiaoping
said happily, "The botanical garden has a bright future."
President Yang came to Shenzhen on an inspection tour on January
21. Meeting each other in Xianhu Botanical Garden, the two comrades-in-arms
of Comrade Xiaoping and President Yang naturally were exceedingly
happy.
At 10:10 a.m., Comrade Xiaoping and President Yang planted an evergreen
tree-banyan
After President Yang and Comrade Xiaoping finished planting trees,
they again led their families to plant another same tree in a nearby
area.
The planting of evergreen trees here by Comrade Xiaoping and President
Yang added boundless spring beauty to Shenzhen and would bring benefits
to future generations. The Shenzhen people will definitely remember
this day, the leaders' outstanding contributions to the founding
of New China and to the reform and opening up drive, to their solicitude
and support given to Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and their long-lasting
and profound friendly sentiments.
Part V
At 3:10, January 22 p.m., Comrade Xiaoping and President Yang received
and cordially shook hands with leading members of Shenzhen municipal
Party committee, the city government, city people's congress, city
people's political consultative conference and the city Party commission
for discipline inspection.
Then, Comrade Xiaoping and President Yang had a group photo taken
with leading members at the above-mentioned levels.
After the taking of group photo, people crowded around the leader,
shook hands with Comrade Xiaopng who had cordial talks with them.
Zhou Nan, director of the branch of Xinhua News Agency in Hong
Kong, held Comrade Xiaoping's hand, gave best regards to him and
invited him to visit Hong Kong in 1997. Comrade Xiaoping said time
and again: O.K. I'll.
Lieutenant General Zhu Dunfa, commander with the Guangzhou Military
Area Command, gave a salute and regards to Comrade Xiaoping. General
Liu Huaqing, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, said
to Comrade Xiaoping, "Comrade Zhu Dunfa served as a company
leader during the Huaihai Campaign." Comrade Xiaoping said
with a smile, "He was still a little boy at that time".
During the Huaihai Campaign, a grand, surging people's war, Comrade
Xiaoping was the secretary of the general front committee in charge
of all matters concerning the Huaihai frontline and in direct command
of the Zhongyuan Field Army and Huadong Field Army.
Today, Comrade Xiaoping gave important talks to provincial and
municipal officials.
Comrade Xiaoping said: You should be bolder in carrying out reform
and opening up, dare to make experiments and should not act as women
with bound feet. What you have been certain about a task, you should
be bold to make experiments and breakthroughs. An important experience
of Shenzhen is the courage to make breakthroughs. Without a path-breaking
spirit, the "venturing" spirit, morale and energy, it
is impossible to blaze a trail and to create a new undertaking.
Who dare say he is completely sure of success, with no chance of
an error in whatever he does and without taking any risk? It is
a matter of impossibility for one to consider oneself being always
in the right from the very outset, thinking he is one hundred percent
correct. I've never thought that way.
Li Hao said: Shenzhen Special Economic Zone could have been built
and developed only under your initiative, solicitude and support.
We have been making breakthrough and exploration in accordance with
your instructions.
Comrade Xiaoping said: Work has been done mainly through your own
efforts. I just gave you help and support and contributed my bit
in charting the orientation.
Comrade Xiaoping also pointed out: socialism essentially aims to
release and develop productive forces, wipe out exploitation and
eliminate polarization between poor and rich and finally achieve
common prosperity. Are such things as securities and stocks good,
do they cause danger, are they things unique to capitalism, can
socialism make use of them? It is permissible to judge, but we must
be resolute in having a try. If it proves right, then we put it
into practice for one or two years, if again it proves right, then
we should open it; if it proves wrong, we will correct it and close
it. It can be closed either quickly or slowly, and may even leave
behind a "tail". There is nothing to be afraid of, if
we persistently take this attitude, it won't matter much, and we
wouldn't commit major mistakes.
During the talk, Comrade Xiaoping also touched upon these points:
As we build socialism with Chinese characteristics, our experience
has been enriched day by day; In rural and urban reforms, we don't
hold debate, instead we make bold experiments and breakthroughs;
our policy is to allow one to judge, and this is much better than
the use of compulson, and so on and so forth.
Part VI
On January 23, Comrade Xiaoping, accompanied by Xie Fei, secretary
of the Guangdong provincial Party committee, went to Zhuhai Special
Economic Zone.
At 8:30 a.m., Shenzhen city responsible members, guards and service
workers, warmly saw off Comrade Xiaoping at the guesthouse.
Comrade Xiaoping shook hands with the city officials in farewell.
Those who went to Shekou to see Comrade Xiaoping off included Li
Hao, Zheng Liangyu and Li Youwei.
Li Hao briefed Comrade Xiaoping on the several measures for Shenzhen's
reform and opening up efforts: adjust the industrial structure,
decontrol the forefront and properly manage the second line, build
Shenzhen special zone into the second tariff area; strengthen the
legal system, administer the city according to law, strengthen legislative
and law enforcement work; change Baoan County into three efficiency
districts of Shenzhen city.
After hearing, Comrade Xiaoping said I'm in favor of all those
measures, be bold to carry out your work. The leading levels should
review their experiences each year, they should uphold what is right,
immediately correct what is incorrect, and they should step up their
efforts to solve new problems cropped up. Constantly summarizing
experiences at least can avoid committing major errors.
Li Hao said, "What you said is very important. We'll strive
to make less mistakes, and avoid committing major errors."
Comrade Xiaoping remarked, "In what I've just said, the first
point is don't be afraid of making mistakes, the second point is
quickly rectifying problems when they are found."
While talking, their car arrived at Shekou. Li Hao said Nanshan
District is in jurisdiction over the area of Shekou, the development
in Nanshan District is gaining momentum, Litchi there enjoys a high
reputation. China has the best litchi in the world, while Guangdong's
litchi is the best in China, the localities of Dongguan, Zengcheng
and Shenzhen produce the best litchi in Guangdong.
Then the car slowly steered into the Chiwan Harbor. Comrade Xiaoping
inspected it while sitting inside the car.
Li Hao saidChiwan Harbor sits inside Shekou, which can anchor 35,000-ton
ships, we prepare to build a wharf for 50,000-ton ships. Mawan Harbor
is located outside Shekou capable of anchoring 50,000-ton ships.
There are ports in the east and west of Shenzhen, with handling
capacity reaching 14 million tons last year, which is expected to
reach 100 million tons in the future.
The car reached the harbor of Shekou Port. Before alighting from
the car, Li Hao told Comrade Xiaoping, "Shenzhen people are
joy over your arrival this time. We hope you will come again before
long, please come here to spend the Spring Festival next winter."
Comrade Xiaoping got down from the car, and shook hands with Liang
Guangda, secretary of Zhuhai Special Economic Zone's Party committee
and mayor.
Then, he shook hands with Shenzhen city officials Li Hao, Zheng
Liangyu and Li Youwei one after another in farewell.
Comrade Xiaoping walked several steps forward along the wharf,
then he suddenly turned back and said to Li Hao, "You should
carry out construction at a faster speed!"
Grasping the opportunity to push up economic construction faster
is Comrade Xiaoping's expectation of Shenzhen, as well as a major
matter lingering in Comrade Xiaoping's heart all the time.
Li Hao said, "What you've just said is very important, we'll
definitely push up construction faster."
At 9:40 a.m., the ship, on which Comrade Xiaoping boarded, steered
off Shekou Harbor.
The January 19-23, 1992 period during Comrade Xiaoping's stay in
Shenzhen was extremely unusual, which will go down in the history
of Shenzhen's construction and will remain forever in the memory
of the Shenzhen people
"The Vigor of Spring Greets the Eyes as the East Wind Comes".
Comrade Xiaoping's visit to Shenzhen has entailed the further surge
of spring tide in Shenzhen's reform and opening up drive. The many
important speeches Comrade Xiaoping made in Shenzhen were of important
and far-reaching significance to Shenzhen's reform, opening up and
construction drive and to the socialist modernization drive as a
whole.
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