Since then , some historians have speculated that the war may also have fit into the modernization plans of China 's former paramount leader , Deng Xiaoping , by highlighting the technological deficiencies of the Maoist People 's Liberation Army , or P.L.A. Others say the war was started by Mr. Deng to keep the army preoccupied while he consolidated power , eliminating leftist rivals from the Maoist era .
Deng Xiaoping /people/person/nationality China
IN RB , DT NNS VBP VBN IN DT NN MD RB VB VBN IN DT NN NNS IN NNP POS JJ JJ NN , NNP NNP , IN VBG DT JJ NNS IN DT NNP NNPS POS NNP NNP , CC NNP NNS VBP DT NN VBD VBN IN NNP NNP TO VB DT NN VBD IN PRP VBD NN , VBG JJ NNS IN DT NNP NN .
Deng Xiaoping
PERSON
China
LOCATION
/people/person/nationality