The statement that most accurately explains the rise of Mao Zedong is:
"Mao was politically active from a young age as a revolutionary and prioritized Chinese experience over foreign experience with communism. That was how he rose to become chairman over other experienced leaders who had spent their time in the Soviet Union instead of China."
This response highlights Mao's focus on adapting Marxist-Leninist ideas to the specific conditions and experiences of China, as well as his efforts to build support among the rural peasantry, which set him apart from other leaders who were more aligned with the Soviet model of communism.