THE instability resulting from Deng's reforms make them no less noble. His four modernisations, agriculture, industry, science and defence, were largely responsible for China's ascent to current superpower status. However, most farming is still small, costly and inefficient, receiving little foreign investment. Overheated growth continues to fuel inflation. The Communist Party leadership is not without foresight, though they have lost the visionary Deng. Premier Li Peng has declared inflation to be the party's biggest concern. Should the National People's Congress meeting this spring signal the direction of leadership through the millenium, the communists are in a position to maintain central power. Given a history of Chinese military might against the Chinese, and the willingness of the police to suppress dissent, communism and growth are unlikely to be impeded by Deng's death.