ABSTRACT
The reformers did advance the transformation of the Chinese economic system during 1985 and appear to have achieved a number of important goals that seemed to strengthen their political position. If reform dominated the news in Chinese domestic politics in 1984, the biggest story to emerge in Chinese politics in 1985 was the discovery of the limits of reform. This chapter examines the progress reformers made in advancing their revolution from above during the first half of 1985. It explains ideological developments. The chapter looks at the transformation of the Party leadership and particularly the emergence of new elite from a series of meetings in September 1985. It focuses on the problems and the sources of opposition facing Deng and his colleagues in the second half of 1985. The chapter concludes with some brief comments on prospects for China in 1986 and beyond.
