In the face of economic collapse the Communists won the civil war in 1949 under Mao Zedong (1893-1976). Mao established a totalitarian Stalinist regime, driving the KMT to [[Taiwan]]. Taiwan is recognized as an integral part of China in theory, but in practice has been independent since 1949. Mao liquidated millions of opponents saying, | In the face of economic collapse the Communists won the civil war in 1949 under Mao Zedong (1893-1976). Mao established a totalitarian Stalinist regime, driving the KMT to [[Taiwan]]. Taiwan is recognized as an integral part of China in theory, but in practice has been independent since 1949. Mao liquidated millions of opponents saying, |