What was the February adverse current of 1967?

The "February adverse current" refers to an attempt by top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders in February 1967 to halt the chaos and radicalism of the Cultural Revolution.

Following the initial "power seizures" and the resulting political turmoil that began in early 1967, these leaders sought to restore order and suppress the activism of the Red Guards in various cities. This effort was characterized as a move by more-conservative forces to beat back the radical movement. However, the "February adverse current" was quickly defeated, leading to a new, more intense radical upsurge that resulted in widespread armed clashes and further instability throughout China.12