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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 201202:05GMT
BBC World Service Online

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  • Tue 30 Oct 201209:05GMT
    BBC World Service Online
  • Tue 30 Oct 201213:05GMT
    BBC World Service Online
  • Tue 30 Oct 201216:05GMT
    BBC World Service Online
  • Tue 30 Oct 201220:05GMT
    BBC World Service Online
  • Wed 31 Oct 201202:05GMT
    BBC World Service Online