In 2023, six decades have passed since Mao Zedong attempted to impose the “Fengqiao experiment” across China. On September 20th, Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited the city of Fengqiao in Zhejiang province and declared that China should “support and develop” the experience of Fengqiao in the new era to “properly manage internal contradictions” and “resolve problems at a grassroots level.”
The “Fengqiao experience” refers to a practice from the Cultural Revolution where citizens controlled and “reformed” those considered “class enemies” by the CCP. In Fengqiao, CCP cadres mobilized many to “reform reactionary elements.”
Xi first addressed the “Fengqiao experience” in 2013, urging cadres to apply “the thinking and methods of the rule of law” to resolve conflicts. However, Chinese scholar-in-exile Chen Pokong noted that Xi’s reintroduction of the “Fengqiao experiment” suggests he faces resistance within the CCP and is consolidating his control over the government.
Chen argued that Xi is mobilizing people to fight his political opponents within the CCP, similar to Mao’s tactics during the Cultural Revolution. Xi is also promoting “common prosperity” to attract middle- and low-income individuals and create resentment towards the wealthy. By combining “common prosperity” with the “Fengqiao experience,” Xi is replicating Mao’s favoritism towards populism and the planned economy.
Furthermore, Xi highlighted the theme of “common prosperity” and stated that Zhejiang should lead in promoting it, focusing on reducing inequalities and boosting integrated development. Hu Ping commented that Xi’s constant focus on “struggle” mirrors the “Fengqiao experience,” promoting intrusive controls reminiscent of the Mao era.
The CCP plans to intensify neighborhood surveillance by transferring local law enforcement to neighborhood “networks” where residents will monitor each other. The network management system aims to strengthen social control, recruit volunteer police forces, and expand surveillance to prevent dissent against the CCP nationwide. This system is part of Xi’s “Fengqiao experiment” to maintain internal stability and protect the regime against opposition.
In conclusion, China’s leader has reintroduced a controversial practice from its past as a way to maintain internal stability while promoting economic growth for all citizens. However, critics argue that this approach resembles authoritarian tactics used by previous leaders such as Mao Zedong during his Cultural Revolution campaign.
Overall, it seems like Xi Jinping is using a combination of propaganda slogans like ‘common prosperity,’ increased surveillance through network management systems, and mobilizing people against perceived political opponents as part of his ‘Fengqiao experiment.’ It remains unclear whether this approach will be successful or lead to further unrest in China in future years.
