Democracy Wall, Foreign Correspondents, and Deng Xiaoping

Chubb, Andrew (2016) Democracy Wall, Foreign Correspondents, and Deng Xiaoping. Pacific Affairs, 89 (3). pp. 567-589. ISSN 0030-851X

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Abstract

This article identifies and explains the role of the Western media in Chinese politics between November 1978 and April 1979, when the rise of Deng Xiaoping within the Communist Party coincided with the emergence of the Democracy Wall free speech movement on China's streets, and the normalization of Sino-American relations. At this critical juncture in twentieth-century history, foreign journalists in Beijing were much more than simply gatekeepers of a conduit to the outside world. Chinese activists believed that, through the Western media, they could reach domestic audiences in China, and potentially even the Party leadership. Indeed, foreign reporting contributed to the movement's spread to other parts of the country, while strengthening and accentuating its most radical aspects. However, the main beneficiary of these interactions was Deng, who enlisted Democracy Wall and the foreign media, at times in conjunction, to advance his domestic and international objectives. Once he had secured control of the Party's political direction, and the normalization of Sino-American relations, the foreign press provided the rationale, if not the impetus, for the movement's suppression. Drawing on participant interviews, new Chinese sources, and analysis of press archives, this article brings important new insights into the momentous political events that set in motion the ongoing transformation of China and the region. It also illuminates the little-studied role of international media in producing "radical flank effects" that can help or hinder both social movements and state authorities. The case stands as a cautionary example for social activists attempting to harness the power of international media today.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Pacific Affairs
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3312
Subjects:
?? democracy walldeng xiaopinginternational media effectsradical flank effectssino-american relationssocial movementsthird plenumwestern mediaxidansociology and political sciencegeography, planning and development ??
ID Code:
133292
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
22 Jun 2019 09:10
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 19:22