Published : 21/08/2025

On August 21, 1980, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping was interviewed by Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci.

The arrangement of this interview was very special. In the past, when Deng Xiaoping met with foreign journalists, Chinese journalists enjoyed privileges such as being able to take photos, record, and publish reports on the spot.

However, due to Fallaci's request for an exclusive report, Chinese journalists were only permitted to film for a few minutes before departing.

During the interview, only Deng Xiaoping, Fallaci, then Director of the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qian Qichen, an interpreter, and a recording secretary remained in the room.

Fallaci's first question, concerning the legacy of Mao Zedong after China's Reform and Opening-up started, was, "Will you still keep the portrait of Chairman Mao?" Deng responded immediately and firmly, "It will be kept forever."

Deng Xiaoping admitted that Mao had made mistakes in the past for a period of time, but after all, he was the principal founder of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the People's Republic of China (PRC). He stated that what Mao had done for the Chinese people could not be erased.

Fallaci then asked Deng whether Mao Zedong should be held responsible for the mistakes during the Cultural Revolution. This was also one of the most important questions in the entire interview, as it pertained to the CPC's official evaluation of Mao Zedong.

Deng Xiaoping emphasised that as it pertained to the Communist Party of China's official evaluation of Mao Zedong, stating they were different in nature.

He asserted that for most of his life, Mao Zedong did very good things. His mistakes began in the late 1950s, "and they were not minor ones."

Deng Xiaoping stated that the CPC must make an objective assessment of Mao Zedong's entire life, "We will affirm that Chairman Mao's contributions are primary, and his mistakes are secondary."