The "1.26" Event In Fujian During The Cultural Revolution

This paper provides a case study of the "1.26" event in Fujian during the Cultural Revolution. Specifically, it examines the role played by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in mis event and its impact on local politics and relations during the Cultural Revolution. This paper suggests that a key impetus for the PLA's involvement in the "1.26" event was the central government's official approval of PLA jurisdiction over local revolutionary activities. After giving a brief background of policy changes facilitating the PLA's local involvement, I then provide an in-depth examination of the factors, course of development and consequences of this event. This case study not only provides insights into the local impact of the Cultural Revolution in Fujian but also illuminates the larger dynamics between the PLA and regional and local forces during the first stage of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1969). In addition, this paper highlights the important influence of the PLA's central leadership; specifically, of Lin Biao and Hang Xianchu during the course of the Cultural Revolution.