Final answer:
Communism succeeded in China due to popular support for Mao's vision, the Communist Party's adaptation of Marxism to a predominantly peasant society, and strategic integration of market practices in a socialist framework. The CCP's promise of land distribution and later economic reforms solidified its control over China.
Step-by-step explanation:
Communism was successful in China for several reasons, one of which was the widespread popular support for Mao Zedong's vision among China's vast population of landless and poor farmers. Mao's promise of equal distribution of land and wealth was particularly appealing against the backdrop of Chiang Kai-shek's corrupt and inefficient regime, which resorted to deadly force against protesting peasants. Other factors contributing to the success of Communism in China include the Communist Party's adaptation of Communist principles to the Chinese context, emphasizing the peasantry over the proletariat as the revolutionary class, and the strategic blending of Communist ideology with certain market freedoms under leaders like Deng Xiaoping.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) also gained credibility by promoting economic initiatives such as the Great Leap Forward, even though these initiatives often led to disastrous outcomes, like famine and death of millions. Mao's unorthodox approach shifted the focus from industrial workers to the peasantry, tapping into the deep-seated desire for land reform. Following Mao, Deng Xiaoping's policies began incorporating aspects of a market economy, which ultimately played a significant role in increasing prosperity and solidifying the Communist Party's control.
By the time of Xi Jinping's leadership, the CCP continued to maintain firm control over the state while allowing the return of traditional Chinese belief systems like Confucianism that aligned with Party goals. The CCP's narrative of dramatically reducing poverty also helped to deepen its support within China. This blend of repression and economic reform has ensured the entrenchment of communism in China despite various challenges.