Four Modernizations

The goals of Deng Xiaoping’s reforms were summed up by the Four Modernizations (四个现代化 abrev. 四化), the modernization of agriculture, industry, science and technology and the military.

These reforms were a reversal of the Mao policy of economic self-reliance. China decided to accelerate the modernization process by stepping up the volume of foreign trade, especially the purchase of machinery from Japan and the West. By participating in such export-led growth, China was able to step up the Four Modernizations by attaining certain foreign funds, market, advanced technologies and management experiences, thus accelerating its economic development.