Commemorating the Cultural Revolution: Breaking the Cycle of 'Killing Without Punishment'

Aug 08, 2024

Since the Chinese Communist Party came to power in 1949, Chinese society has experienced a series of violent political upheavals and social transformations. From the Land Reform Movement and the Suppression of Counter-Revolutionaries to the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, and the 1989 Tiananmen Incident, violence has played a crucial role in Chinese politics. Even more troubling, these violent acts have often gone unpunished, fostering a mentality of “killing without punishment.” This mentality has not only created numerous tragedies throughout history but also poses a threat to future governance. If these severe historical acts of violence are not deeply reflected upon and seriously accounted for, this mentality will be difficult to break. This article systematically analyzes the history of violence under CCP rule, explores the continuity of this mentality, and proposes ways to break this vicious cycle in the future.

I. The Political Instrumentalization of Violence: From Land Reform to the Cultural Revolution

Violence has always been a significant political tool for the CCP in its quest for power. Through suppression, purges, and struggles, the CCP accumulated extensive experience in the use of violence during the revolution, which continued to play a role after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. The Land Reform Movement and the Suppression of Counter-Revolutionaries in the early years of the PRC are typical examples of the political instrumentalization of violence.

1. The Land Reform Movement and the Suppression of Counter-Revolutionaries

During the Land Reform Movement, tens of thousands of landlords and their families were classified as class enemies, subjected to public struggle sessions, and even executed. Many of these violent acts were not only tolerated but also seen as manifestations of “revolutionary justice.” This period set a precedent for violence going unpunished.

Similarly, the Suppression of Counter-Revolutionaries involved the violent elimination of “counter-revolutionary elements” to consolidate the new regime. This movement was not only promoted at the official level but also involved mass mobilization to “expose” and “struggle against” perceived enemies. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people were executed nationwide during this campaign, many without due legal process. As the movement progressed, society gradually adapted to this method of violence, leading to a general acceptance and tolerance of state violence.

The misuse of violence in political struggles and the disregard for human life laid the foundation for subsequent political movements. The successful use of unpunished violence in the Land Reform Movement and the Suppression of Counter-Revolutionaries provided later leaders with a model: violence can be an effective political tool to achieve goals.

2. The Great Leap Forward and the Three Years of Famine

In 1958, the CCP launched the Great Leap Forward, an attempt to rapidly industrialize and develop agriculture. However, the blind pursuit of high targets led to a nationwide economic collapse and food shortages, culminating in the Three Years of Famine. Millions of people died from starvation, but the government did not promptly correct or address this humanitarian disaster and instead continued to implement misguided policies. This disregard for human life became increasingly evident and entrenched across various levels of society.

This disaster did not lead to any public accountability for Mao Zedong or his policies; instead, the CCP leadership covered up and downplayed the situation. This experience was later viewed by leaders as an example of the “forgivable” nature of violent measures—so long as the situation could be controlled, they could remain in power.

3. The Cultural Revolution: The Extremization of Violence

The Cultural Revolution took the political instrumentalization of violence to its extreme. The Red Guards and mass organizations launched large-scale “class cleansing” campaigns across the country, where many perceived “class enemies” were brutally persecuted or even executed. The state not only tolerated this violence but, in some cases, directly participated. Ultimately, whether during or after the Cultural Revolution, these acts of violence went virtually unpunished, further entrenching the mentality of “killing without punishment.”

Although the Cultural Revolution ultimately led to widespread social chaos and a decline in Mao Zedong’s authority within the Party, the movement itself was not immediately repudiated by the authorities, and Mao remained highly influential within the Party. Despite causing social turmoil, Mao and his close associates retained control, further legitimizing the use of violence as a means of control and providing historical precedent for the military crackdown during the 1989 Tiananmen Incident.

II. The Tiananmen Incident: Continuation and Extremization of the Violence Mentality

The Tiananmen Incident in 1989 is a direct continuation of the “killing without punishment” mentality. During this event, peaceful protests by students and citizens were violently suppressed, resulting in hundreds to thousands of deaths. The government’s handling of the incident not only demonstrated zero tolerance for political dissent but also revealed the deep-rooted and stubborn nature of the violence mentality.

1. The Background of the Tiananmen Incident

In the 1980s, Chinese society faced a range of issues, including economic difficulties and political corruption. Discontent among students and intellectuals gradually evolved into a nationwide protest movement. However, in the face of growing unrest, hardliners within the Party ultimately decided to use military force to suppress the protesters. On the night of June 3 to 4, the People’s Liberation Army opened fire on protesters in Tiananmen Square, resulting in a large number of casualties.

The core issue here is that when faced with large-scale peaceful protests, the CCP leadership chose military suppression. In this crackdown, where hundreds to thousands of lives were lost, the CCP not only refused to acknowledge the error of its violent actions or reflect on them but also justified the event through media control and historical education. This approach perpetuated the logic of “killing without punishment.”

2. Historical Precedents of Violence

The CCP leadership drew on the experiences of Mao Zedong and other predecessors who maintained power through violence, continuing this logic into the governance of 1989 and beyond. Since previous leaders had not faced significant negative consequences or challenges for their violent rule, current leaders may have believed that they could adopt similar measures and justify them based on historical precedent. This represents a legitimacy logic for the continuation of violence.

The Tiananmen Incident further entrenched the logic of maintaining stability through violence: when the regime faces questioning or threats, violence can be legitimately used without significant negative consequences. Since then, the CCP has gradually established a comprehensive “stability maintenance” mechanism, institutionalizing and legalizing violent measures to address potential social unrest.

3. The Political Legitimization of Violence

The lack of accountability for CCP violence has reinforced the logic of “if they did it, so can we.” After the Tiananmen Incident, the CCP further intensified its “stability maintenance” policies, where any behavior that might threaten social order could be quickly suppressed. Violence not only became a common political tool but was also gradually legitimized and institutionalized. This legalization of violence deepened society’s mistrust of the law and human rights, increasing the influence of the violence mentality.

For example, to institutionalize and legitimize violence, the CCP established the “610 Office,” an organization outside the legal system specifically tasked with suppressing Falun Gong practitioners. Many members of Falun Gong were arrested, detained, and subjected to torture and other forms of persecution. Laws such as the National Security Law, though ostensibly aimed at safeguarding national security, have been widely used to suppress political dissent and social activism. These laws provide a legal framework for suppression, making violence and surveillance “legitimate” means.

The violence mentality has taken root in Chinese society. For a long time, the high concentration of state power and social structures has made violence an important means of control and suppression of dissent. In this environment, the rights and value of life are often overlooked or trivialized.

Under CCP rule, state authority is often regarded as supreme, while individual rights and freedoms are relatively secondary. This social and cultural atmosphere provides fertile ground for the continuation of the violence mentality. Over long periods of political campaigns and social turmoil, state violence gradually permeated all aspects of society, creating an environment of tolerance and acceptance of violence.

2. Selective Historical Education and Memory

In the CCP’s historical education, violent events involving the CCP are often selectively remembered or downplayed. For example, in descriptions of events such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, emphasis is more on the nation’s progress and achievements, while violence and human rights abuses are often glossed over. This selective historical memory makes it difficult for society to develop a widespread reflection on violence and facilitates the continuation of the violence mentality.

IV. Paths to Breaking the Cycle of “Killing Without Punishment”

To break the cycle of the “killing without punishment” mentality, comprehensive reforms and reconstruction must be undertaken in politics, law, social culture, and education. The following are some possible strategies:

1. Establishing a Sound Legal System

A sound legal system is key to preventing violence and abuse of power. First, judicial independence must be ensured, and the law should no longer be a political tool. Second, laws related to human rights protection and criminal justice should be established and improved to ensure that citizens’ basic rights to life and liberty are respected and protected. Finally, public education on legal awareness and human rights concepts is necessary to help citizens understand their rights and obligations and enhance their trust in the law.

2. Political System Reform

A healthy political system is fundamental to preventing the continuation of the violence mentality. Introducing a multiparty system and ensuring checks and balances between different political forces is crucial. Through a free and fair electoral mechanism, people can be empowered to choose their leaders, thereby preventing the excessive concentration and abuse of power. Additionally, an effective accountability mechanism should be established so that government officials who abuse their power or violate human rights can be held responsible.

3. Reflecting on History and Revealing the Truth

Comprehensive reflection on and revelation of past acts of violence and human rights abuses are important steps to prevent history from repeating itself. A truth and reconciliation commission similar to South Africa’s could be established to investigate past historical events, reveal the truth, and promote social forgiveness and reconciliation. Through fair trials and appropriate compensation, a clear message can be sent to society that violence will no longer be tolerated.

4. Cultural and Educational Reform

Culture and education play a crucial role in changing social mentalities. Strengthening human rights education to ensure students understand the importance of human rights and respect others’ rights to life and freedom from an early age is essential. Educational content should include objective accounts and critical reflections on past violence to avoid selective memory. Additionally, nonviolent, tolerant, and life-respecting cultures should be promoted through cultural activities, media dissemination, literature, and art.

The transformation of social culture is crucial to breaking the violence mentality. Nonviolent, tolerant, and life-respecting cultures should be promoted through cultural activities, media dissemination, literature, and art. Ensuring media freedom allows for the exposure and supervision of injustices within the government and society. At the same time, the media should also bear the responsibility of avoiding inciting violent sentiments or fueling social extremism.

6. International Cooperation and Support

International cooperation and support can play an important role in breaking the violence mentality. Introducing international human rights standards, participating in international human rights treaties, and accepting international supervision are necessary steps. At the same time, accepting international assistance in areas such as law, education, and social governance, and learning from the successful experiences of other countries can promote domestic peaceful transformation.

V. Punishment and Reconciliation: The Necessity of Historical Justice

When discussing breaking the cycle of “killing without punishment,” a key issue must be addressed: how should those who committed or participated in acts of violence in the past be dealt with? If these individuals and organizations are not punished, will it be possible to break this cycle?

1. Failing to Punish Will Perpetuate a Culture of Impunity

If serious acts of violence and human rights abuses in history are not punished, it sends a dangerous signal to society that violence and illegal acts can go unpunished. This culture of impunity will normalize violence and abuse of power, making it harder to curb similar actions in the future.

Achieving genuine social reconciliation requires acknowledging and correcting past wrongs. If those who committed acts of violence are not punished, it will be difficult for victims and their families to feel that justice has been served. This may lead to social division, the perpetuation of hatred, and future instability. Fair trials and appropriate compensation can not only achieve historical justice but also lay the foundation for social reconciliation.

3. The Deterrent Effect of the Law

A key function of the law is deterrence—preventing the recurrence of similar actions by punishing criminal behavior. If those who committed serious crimes are not held accountable, the deterrent effect of the law will be greatly weakened. This will not only encourage future acts of violence but also undermine public trust in the law.

Conclusion

The “killing without punishment” mentality has deep roots in CCP history and has been perpetuated through long-term political practice. Breaking this vicious cycle requires comprehensive and profound political, legal, cultural, and social reforms. This includes establishing a sound legal system, reforming the political system, and reshaping social values through historical reflection and cultural education. At the same time, holding historical acts of violence accountable is essential for achieving historical justice and laying the foundation for future social reconciliation and stability. Only by doing so can we completely break free from the shackles of the violence mentality and move toward a more just, peaceful, and civilized future.

– This text was translated by AI. –