Learning the lessons of 'cultural revolution'

MONDAY marked the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). The Communist Party of China's official newspaper, the People's Daily, said on Tuesday that it was "a mistake... that cannot and will not be allowed to repeat itself". The paper further commented:

China has learned its lessons from the decade of tumult between 1966 and 1976 and is now determined to avoid any social unrest that would disrupt national progress. The "cultural revolution" was a major detour in the development path of the Party and the nation.

Since introducing the reform and opening-up policy more than 30 years ago, the nation has been growing stronger and stronger and people's living standards have been improved markedly.