Party-military relations in the PRC after Mao, 1976-1990

The importance of party-military relations in the People's Republic of China was succinctly stated by Mao in his dictum that "political power comes from the gun" and "the Party should command the gun." Party-military relations in the PRC have never fully conformed to Mao's warning. This study seeks to analyze the nature and types of party-military relations in the PRC during the post-Mao period and the factors affecting change in these relations.; An examination of Chinese politics and factors influencing party-military relations in Communist countries was undertaken. Six variables influencing party-military relations in the PRC were identified. A qualitative content analysis of party-military relations was conducted to identify the factors influencing change.; Three different patterns of party-military relations and six factors influencing change were discovered. In the first period after Mao, Chinese politics were characterized by factional conflict, and the military was greatly involved in politics. The military enabled Hua to become the power holder and party-military relations in this period tended to be conflictual. Factional politics was the main factor affecting party-military relations in this period.; During Deng's reign, politics became more institutionalized and the military more professional. The military lost its political influence and party-military relations tended to be more cooperative. The most significant factor influencing party-military relations in this period was the historical legacy of civilian supremacy. During and after the Tiananmen crisis, the military regained political power, and party-military relations became more conflictual once again. Emphasis has been placed on political indoctrination.; The Party in the PRC has close connections with the military, since the People's Liberation Army functions as a party army. The military takes on characteristics of the party, since military officers are party members, participating in party affairs. This symbiotic relationship shapes the patterns of party-military relations.