TV series about Deng Xiaoping premieres

A 48-episode TV series that tells the story of Deng Xiaoping and the historic transformation of China in the late 1970s made its debut on Thursday in commemoration of the late leader's 110th birthday.

The series was made by China's national broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) under the guidance of the Party literature research office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and the Party committee of Sichuan Province, where Deng was born.

The premiere was held at the Great Hall of People. Officials from the three units, relatives of Deng, critics, and the crew of the TV series recalled the life of the late, great Chinese leader.

The TV series, which took five years to make, describes Deng's experiences between October 1976, when the "Gang of Four" was purged until 1984 when the country fully implemented the policy of reform and opening up.

The end of the "Gang of Four" marked the end of the disastrous 10-year Cultural Revolution and the following years were widely viewed as a historical turning point for China.

In 1978, led by Deng, the CPC held a key plenary session to decide the new policy, initiating "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics." Deng with his comrades-in-arms also set the wrongs of the Cultural Revolution to rights.

The TV series will be broadcast from Friday on CCTV-1 at prime time.