Mao Tse Tung

Mao Zedong's assertion that "power flows from the barrel of a gun" emphasizes the idea that military strength and coercion are fundamental to political authority and revolution. He believed that armed struggle was essential for achieving political goals, especially in the context of the Chinese Communist Revolution. This perspective reflects the belief in the necessity of force in establishing and maintaining power, particularly in a context where existing authority is challenged. Ultimately, it underscores Mao's commitment to revolutionary violence as a means to achieve societal change.

When Mao called on students to "root out the poisonous weed" in schools, he was urging them to identify and eliminate elements of bourgeois ideology and traditional Confucian values that he believed were detrimental to the communist revolution. This metaphor implied a need for radical change and the promotion of revolutionary thought among the youth, encouraging them to challenge authority figures and outdated beliefs. It reflected Mao's broader goal of using education as a tool for ideological purification and social transformation during the Cultural Revolution.

The US responded with alarm, and supported the anti-communist Kuo Min Tang on the island of Taiwan, whose independence from mainland China is even now supported by the US, although the Cold War has ended.

Because he was the one who founded the Chinese Communist Party. He finally won victory against the Nationalists after more than 20 years of civil war. Prior to that he led his communists in battle against the Japanese invaders in WW 2.

Mao Zedong reportedly responded to complaints about his hygiene by stating that he didn't need to wash because he was "always busy with revolutionary work." He believed that personal cleanliness was less important than the revolutionary cause. This attitude reflected his commitment to the ideals of the Communist Party and his focus on political rather than personal concerns.

Founders of the communist party of China and Vietnam, respectively.

Mao could only speak his local dialect from Hunan. Ironically could not speak Putonghua(mandarin) even though he espoused it's proliferation across the country.
As a young man he did try to learn Russian but, meeting with ridicule from his classmates and teachers regarding his ineptitude, gave up.

Formosa

The Chinese kept economy self centered within China and import/export merely for limited goods. This method kept Chinese economy closed and non-related/non-dependent to other countries especially west. It did not directly challenge colonial ambitions of western countries which colonized nations and used labor and raw materials for advancement in industrial age.

Since the foundation of PRC (Revolution 1948-50), China went for massive land reforms and nationalizes all economy including banking, industry and all forms of private capital. Following are main features why China remained behind Western Europe for a period:

Internal Market phenomenon

Chinese market was limited to its own territories and no significant international trade. This resulted in negative growth and burden on limited incomes available to the ruler. The market efficiency was minimal and operational efficiency was not practiced.

Limited global trade hegemony

The Western powers made their strength from occupying fertile areas around world for raw material, industrial advancement and exports to these territories which were under their influence. On the other hand, China was not open towards international trade or demand.

Lack of technological advancement and automation

As the market was limited, no research & development was sought after over decades and the economy mostly remained basic agrarian. Chinese were unable to develop knowledge, skills and technology to improve their production.

Huge population to feed

Inherently China is gifted with huge population which needs to be fed, support and provide health service. This discerns the rulers to any other focus than to meet basic needs.

Low agricultural produce

As the economy was agriculture based, without research and development, without investment in seed/field development, the crop yield remain low and cyclical effect put strain on national income.

Self Sufficient policy of closed doors

The Chinese kept policy of closed doors due to above problems and feared that they will be unable to spare their goods and services for foreign nations in spite of several approaches by British and other colonial powers.