A Summary Of Zhou Enlai's Toxic Pair

Toxic Pair
The polarizing relationship between Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai was one full of subtle conflict, jealousy, and fear. There is no doubt that the two were, to an extent, very loyal to one another. However, Mao’s undying jealousy of Zhou receiving spotlight led to increasing tensions between the two comrades. Zhou’s increasing wariness of Mao’s capability to make sound political decisions for the country also increased tensions, but not just for the two of them. Their relationship was sometimes explosive, but Mao’s right hand man always covered his tracks when Mao’s temper came into play. If anyone outside his inner circle found out about his temper, Mao’s ability to lead the CCP and the country itself would be called into question. However disputed Zhou’s role in the Cultural cleansing of China, his “servant mentality” is one image that is not disputed
Their relationship was unhealthy; Mao being the sadist, dominant, alpha-male and Zhou being the submissive, enabling beta-male. Although, Zhou’s reputation benefited from the apparent contrasts between him and Mao, who loved to thrust himself into the limelight, and never shrank from taking credit for China’s perpetual upheavals. Zhou was far from perfect, but he always looked less demonizing than Mao did, especially in Chinese history. Even after his death, Zhou is still considered a great leader, unlike Mao who is seen as the sadistic dictator that he was, and is still credited to the positive aspects of his time in Mao’s presence. The Chinese do not see Zhou as a monster, but as a hero, who, like many other political leaders, suffered at the hands of Mao, especially in his final days as the Premier, and the final days