• U.S.

Grapevine: Oct. 24, 1988

1 minute read
TIME

EASY DOES IT, YOUNG MAN. Will Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang, 68, eventually succeed Deng Xiaoping, 84, as China’s leader? A recent spasm of economic unrest did not help his chances. Zhao reluctantly called for a slowdown in the pace of reform. But that decision is likely to slow his ascension. China’s veteran military commanders will now wait to see if Zhao, once considered a shoo-in to succeed Deng, can put the economy back on course.

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com