As the world marks the 130th anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong - the towering figure who orchestrated the epochal 1949 liberation and the transformation of a war-ravaged and feudal China – it is crucial to embark on a nuanced examination of his outstanding contributions and complex legacy.

Beyond the ideological divide worldwide, Mao’s undeniable positive contributions to the birth of a new China and his far-reaching impact on global revolutionary movements demand a fair and thoughtful analysis.

Mao, an extraordinary visionary, was not just a statesman but also a gifted poet, a talented calligrapher, and the vigorous driving force behind China’s liberation from centuries-old shackles of feudalism and semi-colonialism. His leadership during those tumultuous times cannot be divorced from the harsh realities of revolutionary struggles.

The “great helmsman” played a crucial role in liberating the country from feudalism, semi-colonialism and the entrenched social and economic injustices. The eradication of the oppressive agrarian feudal system, which had subjugated the Chinese masses, laid the foundation for and made possible the subsequent economic and social reforms in the 1980s and 1990s that unleashed China’s stunning “economic miracle”.

Despite many years of diplomatic and economic isolation in that Cold War era, Mao’s commitment to self-reliance and a fierce determination for China to stand on its own feet became evident. This spirit of self-reliance still apparently inspires many Chinese leaders and people

Mao’s foreign policy was a departure from past subservience. He forged an independent path for China, free from the ideological leash of its giant neighbor, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the past colonial dominating influence of the United States. Mao and his extraordinarily capable premier and foreign minister, Zhou Enlai, adroitly maintained a balance between the arch rivals - the former Soviet Union and the US - navigating the dangers of the 1950s Korean War and the 1960s-1970s Vietnam War, opening up to Washington by welcoming then-US president Richard Nixon and then-secretary of state Henry Kissinger. Mao’s independent foreign policy established China as a nation that prioritized its own interests and moral principles above external pressures or even threats.

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Despite many years of diplomatic and economic isolation in that Cold War era, Mao’s commitment to self-reliance and a fierce determination for China to stand on its own feet became evident. This spirit of self-reliance still apparently inspires many Chinese leaders and people. Emerging from the civil war (1945-49) and the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45), Mao’s leadership laid the groundwork for China’s remarkable resilience.

Anti-Qing Dynasty revolutionary leader Dr Sun Yat Sen once publicly lamented that the Chinese people were disunited “like a sheet of loose sand”. Mao played a pivotal role in unifying a fragmented China. Taiwan province was not integrated into the new China only because of the intervention of foreign powers. Mao’s ability to unite a fractured nation was instrumental in establishing the People’s Republic of China.

However, Mao’s legacy is not without human errors, like other great leaders in the world. The Cultural Revolution (1966-76) was a difficult chapter in China’s history of evolution toward a better society. I admire the Chinese government in acknowledging those mistakes made during that period as an integral part of understanding Mao’s complexity as a great leader.

President Xi Jinping’s 2013 enlightened assertion that “revolutionary leaders are not gods, but human beings” underscores the importance of having a balanced and comprehensive perspective. Mao’s positive contributions - from inspiring global revolutionary movements to advocating for a more just world - provide valuable lessons.

Mao wasn’t just a great leader of China. He was a global revolutionary figure whose impact transcended borders. His contribution to the successful model of “socialism with Chinese characteristics” established the groundwork for China’s contemporary prosperity and the continuing quest for equitable, sustainable economic prosperity.

While Mao might not have been a flawless hero, his epic journey and vast contributions have continued to shape the world. Deng Xiaoping and subsequent Chinese leaders built on Mao’s strong foundation, introducing bold reforms that modernized China and elevated it to the global stage.

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In conclusion, as the world commemorates Mao’s 130th birthday, it is incumbent on us to navigate the complexities of his legacy. Recognizing the great achievements while acknowledging the mistakes fosters a more nuanced understanding of the man who altered the course of China and left an indelible mark on the world.

The author is a multi-awarded writer, columnist of Philippine Star newspaper, economics and politics analyst, and college professor.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.