THE NEXT CHINA
Congratulations on your inspiring cover story on Deng Xiaoping, the heroic Chinese leader whose vision, guts, iron will and economic reforms helped modernize his country and ensure Asia-Pacific progress [THE NEXT CHINA, March 3]. History will remember Deng along with Emperor Shih Huang-Ti and Mao Zedong, statesmen whose human flaws should not detract from their many far-reaching achievements. Deng's success in reforming China has as its legacy Asian prosperity, free enterprise, peace and stability. WILSON Y. LEE FLORES Quezon City, the Philippines
Exactly what was Deng's contribution? Opening China to the rest of the world and creating wealth for millions of Chinese. Crushing a popular uprising and obliterating thousands of dissidents. Being part of the ruling hierarchy that was responsible for the death of millions during the Cultural Revolution. ANDREW BLUM Hurstville, Australia
Deng Xiaoping was a legendary man of transcendent genius whose accomplishments far outweighed his mistakes. Under his leadership, the Chinese people embarked on a gigantic modernization program and miraculously increased their productivity. Deng was an unsung hero in the battle to bury world communism. He challenged Marxist orthodoxy head on. His bold reforms triggered a chain reaction all across the communist world and set the stage for the decommunization of the Soviet bloc. JOHNNY Z.Y. WU Morrow, Georgia
Why are we celebrating a man who ruled like a dictator? China's leaders may come and go, but the oppression of the Chinese people lives on. Let us not lend prestige to evil. TOM DOWNES Encino, California
You mentioned the human-rights abuses in China without specifically citing Tibet. The attempt to destroy this culture continues. Until the government reforms its policies, Beijing will remain a power the world cannot love. BARBARA NICOL Sleepy Hollow, New York
The Chinese will prosper financially and spend their money in the more civilized world outside. But the haves in China will continue to exploit the labor market that they created and that the U.S. hypocritically subsidizes. CARLOS A. SANCHEZ Miami
China, with one-fifth of the world's population, has remained an isolated megalith. Japan, thanks to the persistence of Commodore Matthew Perry, went from an isolated country to a major power within 50 years of granting trading rights to the U.S. in two Japanese ports. China could achieve world economic prominence exponentially faster in the 21st century. China has been referred to as a sleeping lion. Believe me, this is one kitty we don't want to mess with! JON ST. JOHN Neenah, Wisconsin
Deng unleashed the awakening dragon of China, energized it with fire and showed it the way to the new world. The profound influence of what he achieved has yet to be fully realized. YI HU Northport, New York
Deng is remembered for his pragmatic reforms. Of course, his crackdown in Tiananmen Square will not be forgotten, but he proved he was right. CUNG NGUYEN Baldwin Park, California