An influential son of late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, the architect of the country’s economic reforms, appears to be urging Beijing to pull back as its government pursues an ambitious foreign policy.

“We must seek truth from fact, keep a sober mind, and know our own place,” said Deng’s eldest son, Deng Pufang, in a speech reported by the South China Morning Post.

“We should neither be overbearing or belittle ourselves.”

Mr Deng’s presumed remarks are reminiscent of his father’s famous line, “hide your strength and bide your time” – a nod toward a low-profile, but steady rise.

A text of the speech, reportedly given in September to China’s Disabled Person’s Federation, has circulated online although the government has not posted an official transcript.