Everything Everywhere Daily · Friday, August 14, 2026
Deng Xiaoping, born in 1904, participated in the Diligent Work, Frugal Study Movement in France as a teenager. During his time in France, Deng, along with other Chinese students, was exposed to Western industrialization and democratic ideas, which led many, including Deng, to convert to Marxism and eventually join the Chinese Communist Party.
“Under the program, Chinese teens were expected to go to France where they learned science, engineering, and technological skills that they could in turn bring back to China upon completing their time there.”
“Many of the early leaders of the Chinese Communist Party converted to Marxism while in France, including Deng and future premier Zhou Enlai.”