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What can China's leaders learn from the country's tales of power, honour and violence? Carrie Gracie explores the relationship between the people and the ruling powers.

The peasant rebel who topples a dynasty is a familiar theme in Chinese history. During the cultural revolution, the Communists decided that the past was getting in the way of the future and Chairman Mao adopted the imperial model of absolutism and the use of force.

Why did people allow such persecution?

Carrie Gracie explores some of the most important stories from Chinese history. What do these tales say about China today?

(Image: The silouette of a man waving a yellow flag with a red star, Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

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23 minutes

Last on

Wed 31 Oct 2012 02:05GMT
大象传媒 World Service Online

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  • Tue 30 Oct 2012 09:05GMT
    大象传媒 World Service Online
  • Tue 30 Oct 2012 13:05GMT
    大象传媒 World Service Online
  • Tue 30 Oct 2012 16:05GMT
    大象传媒 World Service Online
  • Tue 30 Oct 2012 20:05GMT
    大象传媒 World Service Online
  • Wed 31 Oct 2012 02:05GMT
    大象传媒 World Service Online