In 2023, China’s leader Xi Jinping visited the city of Fengqiao in Zhejiang province and declared that the country should “support and develop” its experience to “properly manage internal contradictions” and “resolve problems at a grassroots level.” This “Fengqiao experience” refers to a practice from the Cultural Revolution where citizens controlled and “reformed” those deemed enemies by the CCP.
This move by Xi has been met with criticism from Chinese scholars-in-exile, who argue that it is a reintroduction of Mao Zedong’s failed attempt to impose the “Fengqiao experiment” across China. They suggest that Xi is consolidating his control over the government and mobilizing people to fight political opponents within the CCP, similar to Mao’s tactics during the Cultural Revolution.
Xi has also promoted “common prosperity” as a way to attract middle- and low-income individuals, creating resentment towards the wealthy. By combining this with the “Fengqiao experience,” Xi is replicating Mao’s favoritism towards populism and planned economy.
Critics have also noted that Xi’s constant focus on “struggle” mirrors the theme of social control in Fengqiao, 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. This network management system aims to strengthen social control, recruit volunteer police forces, and expand surveillance nationwide. This move is part of Xi’s Fengqiao experiment to maintain internal stability and protect against opposition.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping’s visit to Fengqiao highlights his efforts to consolidate control over China while also addressing concerns about income inequality through his promotion of common prosperity. However, critics argue that these measures are reminiscent of past failures such as Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution and may lead to further social unrest if not implemented properly.
