The Later Years of Chen Yun

Modern Press Co., Ltd. 1st Edition (January 2015)

By Yang Mingwei

In the initial stage of China’s reform and opening-up, Chen Yun, though in his later years, took the lead in playing a significant role in political and economic development of China.

Politically, after being re-elected as a member of China’s top decision-makers, Chen Yun vigorously advocated bringing order out of chaos based on facts. With his returning to the leadership of central finance and economy, Chen Yun resolved to find out a new path to economic development. To strengthen the self-governance of the Party, Chen Yun took office as the Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and advocated that “The conduct of the Party in power is a life or death issue.” To accelerate the process of economic restructuring, he made clear that China’s socialist society should embrace both planned and market economies. In addition, Chen Yun is the pioneer in introducing market economy. To ensure a successful changeover of central leadership group, he put forward the idea that “We should promote thousands upon thousands of young and middle-aged cadres”.

The Later Years of Chen Yun gives a faithful account of the most glorious years of Chen Yun’s life by unveiling the stories behind the high-level decisions in the process of reform and opening-up. With nearly one hundred of valuable photographs of Chen Yun and several generations of the CPC senior leaders, Chen Yun’s radiant image is once again brought to life.