In late 1978, Deng Xiaoping came to power, establishing a departure from Mao Zedong's line and initiating reform and opening-up.
By emphasizing that "practice is the sole criterion for testing truth," Deng Xiaoping defeated Hua Guofeng and established a governing philosophy centered on economic development.
To prevent national development from being overemphasized to the point of subverting the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Deng Xiaoping introduced the Four Cardinal Principles, emphasizing the leadership position of the CCP.