News analysis Xi navigates tensions with Deng's legacy gacy over centralisation of power

Chinese leader had to be selective in speech on Deng's life and contributions, experts say

- Lim Min Zhang

Deng Xiaoping is not only widely regarded as the architect of economic reforms in modern China, but also respected for his views on the need for collective leadership in the Communist Party of China (CPC).

So when it comes to honouring his legacy today, Chinese President Xi Jinping - who has systematically amassed political power since coming to office in 2012, representing a break from the latter principle - had to be selective.

This was what he did in a major speech on Deng's life and contributions to China and the CPC at a symposium to commemorate the late patriarch's 120th birth anniversary on Aug 22, China watchers said.

Deng died on Feb 19, 1997 at the age of 92. There have been three such party symposiums studying his legacy held every 10 years since then: In 2004 under former president Hu Jintao, and in 2014 under Mr Xi, in addition to the Aug 22 event on Deng's birthday.

In his 5,500-word speech on Aug 22, Mr Xi called for the continued study and application of Deng Xiaoping Theory, for instance in deepening the reform of the system of party and state leadership, and promoting intra-party democracy.

He said that, learning from Deng, "the party must have a core; the party central committee must have authority", a line which was absent from the speeches given at previous symposiums.

The emphasis on a leadership "core" - a term used to refer to Chinese leaders who enjoyed unparalleled power such as Mao Zedong, Deng, Mr Jiang Zemin and Mr Xi, but not Mr Hu - was in stark contrast to 2004's symposium, when his predecessor Mr Hu quoted Deng as saying that "the individual is a member of the collective; nothing can be done by one person".

Deng's political reforms included setting age limits for senior officials and a two-term limit for the state president and vice-president.