Mao proved to be good at fighting but poor at governing . Mao pushed for socio - economic reforms , strident ideological rhetoric . The emperor is now history , but Tiananmen remains Beijing 's political center . His successor Liu Xiaoping embarks upon reforming the economy , opening China . China gains global recognition via 20-year economic growth , but has consequences .
Mao proved to be good at fighting but poor at governing . Mao pushed for socio - economic reforms , strident ideological rhetoric . His successor Liu Xiaoping embarks upon reforming the economy , opening China . China gains global recognition via 20-year economic growth , but has consequences .