The idea that Hua was a transitional figure before Deng steered the reform and opening-up on its full course is untenable because “on all key dimensions - the overambitious drive for growth, a newly expansive policy of openness to the outside world, and limited steps toward management reform - Hua and Deng were in basic agreement.” With respect to self-reliance and foreign economic relations, Hua, for instance, was in charge of approving the setting up special economic zones.