When the Communist Party of China (CPC) came to power in 1949, led by Mao Zedong, it aimed to establish a socialist society based on the principles of communism. The government took control of key industries and enterprises, and implemented central economic planning. This marked the beginning of a period of state-controlled economy, with little room for private ownership and entrepreneurship. The pure communist spirit mentioned in the quote refers to this initial phase of the country's economic structure, where the ideals of communism were more visibly manifested in the state's control over economic activities.

However, as time progressed, China underwent significant changes in its economic policies. In the late 1970s, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, the country initiated economic reforms that opened up its market to foreign investment and allowed for the development of a non-state sector. This shift in economic policy led to the emergence of a mixed economy, with elements of both state control and private enterprise. The quote alludes to the fact that despite the communist ideology that underpinned the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the nation has increasingly embraced capitalistic enterprises, reflecting a departure from the pure communist spirit.

The economic reforms introduced by Deng Xiaoping, commonly known as the "reform and opening-up" policy, brought about unprecedented changes in China's economic landscape. Private businesses were allowed to operate, foreign trade and investment were encouraged, and special economic zones were established to attract international capital. As a result, China experienced rapid industrialization and economic growth, propelling it to become one of the world's largest economies.

While the country embraced capitalist principles and market-oriented reforms, the government maintained significant control over strategic sectors of the economy. Key industries such as energy, telecommunications, and finance remained under state ownership and control, reflecting the continued influence of socialist ideals in the economic system. This dual economic structure, with a mix of state-owned enterprises and private businesses, is a manifestation of the coexistence of communist and capitalist elements in China's economic model.

Today, China stands as a unique example of a socialist market economy, blending aspects of communism and capitalism. The quote by Iris Chang highlights the paradoxical nature of the Chinese economy, where the pursuit of capitalistic ventures coexists with the enduring presence of state control. The nation's economic success and global influence underscore the adaptability and dynamism of its economic model, which has evolved from a predominantly state-controlled system to a hybrid socialist market economy.

In conclusion, the quote by Iris Chang encapsulates the intricacies of China's economic trajectory, capturing the transformation from a pure communist spirit to a nation engaged in capitalistic enterprises under the continued backdrop of government control. It serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the evolving nature of China's economy and the interplay between communist ideology and capitalist practices in shaping its economic landscape.