Answer: A. Both were willing to use force to suppress resistance to their rule.
Explanation:
While there were significant differences in their ideologies and policies, both Deng Xiaoping and Mao Zedong were known for their strong leadership and willingness to use force to maintain control and suppress resistance to their rule. Mao Zedong, especially during the early years of his leadership, used force and various campaigns to eliminate opposition and consolidate power. Similarly, Deng Xiaoping was instrumental in using military force to suppress the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, which aimed to challenge the Communist Party's authority.