Read more in Daily Special(s): Mao’s 120th anniversary marked with events nationwide

Today marks the 120th anniversary of Mao Zedong's birth. It has not only been officially commemorated, but also profoundly discussed by the populace. Thirty-seven years have passed since Mao's death, but he is still deeply remembered and widely discussed. There are few who can rival his influence in the modern history of the world.

Under Mao's leadership, Chinese people changed their fate by revolution, a means which remains controversial in the global sphere. Critical voices stem from different mindsets about national interests and value orientation. The impact of these external criticisms stirs up many domestic controversial opinions, which means Mao's legacy means different things to different people.

China's achievements after the Mao era were made on the foundation of his legacy. However, the practical significance of politics has become the major determinant of evaluating Mao. In other words, some people try to show their own opinion toward the current Chinese government by making evaluations of Mao.

After death, Mao has probably been the subject of more comments and discussions than he was when alive. As the founder of this emerging power, Mao was an indisputable Chinese leader, but he also made drastic mistakes. So it is possible that Mao would meet some sharp evaluators, who believe they speak the truth, but deliberately ignore the limits to sound historical understanding.

Demonizing Mao has long been a trend in public opinion internally and externally. We can tell most of these detractors have ulterior motives to tarnish Mao's image and legacy to impede China's rejuvenation.

However, defaming Mao is unlikely to be successful because there are two obstacles that are hard to overcome. On the one hand, defaming Mao, though an effort which can be easily placed on concrete facts and is likely to interpret his misdeeds as political malice, neglects what China has achieved in the previous six decades. On the other hand, Mao still has deep-seated prestige among the Chinese masses. His great talent and personality as the savior of the nation can hardly be downgraded.

China has many liberals, who have become the major force to belittle Mao's role in Chinese history. In a diverse society, the existence of different opinions should be regarded as a normal phenomenon. But their thoughts have already deviated from the right path to evaluate a historical figure. They are trying to ignite political conflicts in China by totally repudiating Mao. These efforts are going against China's current progression to political civilization. They are carrying forward the so-called free speech in a bigoted and outdated manner.

Mao's name has been written into China's constitution. China won't allow the bigotry of defaming Mao to go unrestrained. As Chinese society is growing to be more mature, the populace will rise to be the major force to preserve Mao's image, and laws and social ethics will also play significant roles.