The China History Podcast Ep. 366 | The Guangxi Massacre
Jun 12, 2025
Dive into the grim history of the Guangxi Massacre, a harrowing episode of the Cultural Revolution. Discover the violent power struggles in Guangxi, revealing personal stories lost to time. Hear about the aftermath under Deng Xiaoping and the efforts to confront past human rights abuses. The discussion draws unnerving parallels to present-day tensions, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging history's dark chapters. Unravel the complexities of loyalty amid civil strife, showcasing a lesser-known yet crucial aspect of China's past.
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Guangxi Massacre's Distinct Brutality
- The Guangxi Massacre was extremely deadly and brutal, with about 75,000 killed in two years.
- The Cultural Revolution in Guangxi was distinct because it happened in a rural ethnic minority region with documented government investigations.
Wei Gua Qing's Unlikely Survival
- Wei Gua Qing, the Guangxi leader, survived Cultural Revolution attacks despite being a likely target.
- His ethnic minority background and military credentials protected him in this tumultuous period.
Wei's Military Role Fuels Civil War
- Mao appointed Wei Gua Qing head of Guangxi's military district to secure Vietnam War supply lines.
- This appointment intensified factional conflict between Allied Command (supporters of Wei) and 422 faction.