The People’s Republic of China now plays a central role in global politics, economics and diplomacy – more than it ever has before. Its president, Xi Jinping openly espouses the model forged by former Chairman, Mao Zedong, known as the Great Helmsman. But what do we really know about Mao?
And how does his legacy relate to Xi’s ‘China Dream’?

This 3-hour series is the first comprehensive exploration of Mao Zedong, his beliefs and his methods, for television. It shows how these have shaped Xi’s philosophy and the reality of today’s China. Mao had set China on the road to true sovereignty, freeing it from the humiliation of foreign domination.

Xi is now completing that journey towards the strong Middle Kingdom and cultural predominance that Mao aimed for – while sweeping under the carpet the unthinkable victims and costs of Mao’s rule.

The story arc of Mao’s astonishing biography provides varied and profound insights into the ideals, strategies and ambitions of today’s People’s Republic. To help understand China now and its position in the next decade, this series lays out the breathtaking dreams and ambitions, successes and tragedies, of one of the great figures of the 20th century.