This book is the product of a conference organized by the French Centre for Research on Contemporary China (CEFC), the Department of Government and International Studies of the Hong Kong Baptist University, and the Contemporary China Research Project of the City University of Hong Kong in June 14–15, 2012.

The theme of the conference “The Uses of Mao in Contemporary China: The Meaning and Purposes of an Icon” was chosen because the organizers believed that Mao still occupies significant place in the current intellectual and cultural debates in China. Mao has also been adapted and exploited in different contexts by various groups in the pursuit of their respective interests. Considering the uses of Mao will certainly contribute to a better understanding of the changing values in China today and its political, economic, social and cultural scene. The fruitful discussions in the conference led to the decision to publish this volume.

As editor, I must thank Sebastian Veg and his colleagues at the CEFC as well as Jean-Pierre Cabestan of the Hong Kong Baptist University for their superb efforts in the planning and organization of this conference. My gratitude also goes to those who presented papers and actively participated in the discussions at the conference. In the publication of this book, the City University of Hong Kong Press and especially Edmund K. Y. Chan have offered valuable assistance. I alone should be responsible for the inadequacies.