Why Mao's 130th birthday will be a muted affair

BEIJING – When China marks Chairman Mao Zedong's 130th birth anniversary on Dec 26, there will be no major fanfare despite the late leader's revered status. Official commemorations will almost certainly evoke feelings of nostalgia, something the Communist Party of China (CPC) will want to carefully manage, especially at a time of growing disenchantment among an increasing proportion of the populace. Mr Xi Jinping will lead the six other members of the CPC's Politburo Standing Committee - the pinnacle of power - to pay their respects at the Mao Mausoleum on Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The local authorities at Mao's…