Episode
The Untold Story of China's Rise: Mao, Deng & the Chinese Miracle | Silk and Steel
- Podcast
- UK Column News
- Published
- Jul 1, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4202
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Summary
In this episode of Bridge to China, Jason Smith sits down with political commentator and Silk & Steel Podcast host Carl Zha to explore the extraordinary story of China's transformation—from the Japanese occupation and Chinese Civil War to Mao-era nation building, Deng Xiaoping's reforms, and the modern economic miracle. Carl explains how the Communist Party established control in the countryside, why land reform was so important, how China eliminated widespread opium addiction, the role of Soviet assistance in early industrialization, and how market reforms after 1978 unleashed decades of growth. The conversation also examines poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, education, industrial policy, China's relationship with Africa, and what developing—and developed—countries might learn from China's experience. Whether you're interested in Chinese history, geopolitics, economics, or development, this episode offers a comprehensive look at one of the most significant national transformations in human history. Topics Covered How the Communist Party expanded during the Japanese occupation The Chinese Civil War and the fall of the KMT Soviet support and the industrialization of China Land reform and peasant mobilization The eradication of opium addiction Literacy campaigns and educational reform Barefoot doctors and rising life expectancy China's first industrial revolution Deng Xiaoping and Reform & Opening Up Shenzhen and Special Economic Zones China's manufacturing boom Poverty alleviation and modernization China-Africa cooperation and the TAZARA Railway Lessons from China's development model ► Join UK Column Live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm UK time or watch previous live recordings here ► [UK Column Website] Explore all our written and video…