Conversation with a Reporter from the Red China News Agency — January 3, 1936 Shanghai Workers’ News Agency reports: Today our agency received statements by Comrade Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the Provisional Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic, and Comrade Wang Jiaxiang, People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs, both delivered over the radio to a reporter of the Red China News Agency. These statements are of utmost importance in relation to the current situation and are hereby recorded as follows:

Question: What is the Chinese Soviet Government’s assessment of the present North China issue, and what are its views?

Answer: Under pressure from the Japanese military, the Nanjing government has established the so-called Beiping–Tianjin Administrative Council, which in reality amounts to implementing “North China autonomy.” And “North China autonomy” is none other than the very embodiment of the “North China State” envisioned in the Japanese plan. During his foreign policy address at the Fifth Plenary Session of the Kuomintang, Chiang Kai-shek spouted a whole string of cunning diplomatic platitudes, uttering many ambiguous and evasive remarks. However, the facts have exposed him: Doihara is relentlessly pushing for the immediate realization of “North China autonomy,” forcing Chiang to provide a candid interpretation of his own diplomatic rhetoric. His empty denunciations of Japan’s aggression on one hand, and his open acknowledgment of the “North China autonomy” scheme on the other, clearly reveal where Chiang Kai-shek truly stands. Therefore, now that the Japanese offensive is imminent and Nanjing still pretends to be resolute in resisting it, the very survival of our nation hangs by a thread. It is imperative that all the people rise up spontaneously in an anti-Japanese national salvation movement and form a broad united front for resisting Japan and saving the country. To save the nation is to save oneself; to save oneself is to save the nation—this holds true for workers and capitalists alike, for peasants and landlords, for laborers, farmers, merchants, scholars, soldiers, government officials, and indeed for every Chinese citizen. All political parties and organizations should set aside their differences and join forces to confront the grave crisis facing the nation. The Chinese Soviet Government consistently advocates for a nationwide revolutionary united front and declares its willingness to cooperate with any party genuinely committed to resisting Japan, working together to save the country. Last August, our government and the Party issued a manifesto proposing negotiations with all parties and sectors across the country to jointly establish a National Defense Government and an Anti-Japanese Allied Army, listing ten key demands as the foundation of such a government. The Chinese Soviet Government believes that only unity can ensure national salvation; therefore, regardless of any other differing positions, as long as a party or organization accepts the principle of national unity for the purpose of saving the country, the Chinese Soviet Government stands ready to engage in sincere cooperation to achieve this common goal.

Question: What are the Chinese Soviet Government’s sentiments and stance regarding the recent nationwide student movement for national salvation?

Answer: Throughout the history of our country’s national salvation movements, students have always distinguished themselves with great honor. This latest, momentous movement is particularly admirable. These young people are the sons and daughters of the entire nation and represent the hope of the Chinese nation. We express boundless admiration for their selfless spirit and profound indignation at the brutal persecution they have suffered. The Chinese Soviet Government is determined to do everything in its power to support the student movement for national salvation. We have already encouraged students in all primary and secondary schools within the Soviet areas to rally in solidarity and are calling upon workers, peasants, and citizens from all walks of life across the country to act in unison to help the students achieve their noble goal of saving the nation. This student movement is, in essence, a reflection of the nationwide struggle for national salvation. The slogans raised by the students—such as “Stop the Civil War” and “Unite to Save the Nation”—are, in fact, the unanimous demands of the entire people. The civil war currently raging in our country is, in essence, Chiang Kai-shek’s all-out campaign against the Communists. The Red Army is the sole loyal, brave, and valiant force dedicated to resisting Japan. We certainly cannot allow Chiang Kai-shek to undermine it. The people of the Soviet areas are steadfast fighters in the cause of national salvation through resistance against Japan; they are our fellow countrymen—our fathers, brothers, sisters—and we must not permit Chiang Kai-shek to ravage them. Thus, we are compelled to engage in defensive combat. On behalf of the Chinese Soviet Government, I hereby solemnly declare: Should Chiang Kai-shek or any other forces cease their attacks on the Red Army, the Chinese Soviet Government will immediately order the relevant Red Army units to halt military operations and mobilize for a joint anti-Japanese war effort, thereby responding to the aspirations of the students and the people.

Question: There have been widespread rumors recently that Chiang Kai-shek has reached a ceasefire agreement with the Red Army. What is the truth behind these reports?

Answer: Since the September 18th Incident, the Chinese Soviet Government has continuously urged all our compatriots—regardless of political affiliation, religious belief, or past relations—to unite without exception in a common struggle for national salvation. Guided by this unwavering principle, the Chinese Soviet Government has always maintained a very straightforward and clear-cut stance toward Chiang Kai-shek. If he were genuinely committed to resisting Japan, there would be no obstacle to cooperation between us on the anti-Japanese front. For example, the former 19th Route Army once fought against both the people and the Red Army, but when that army turned to resist Japan, the Red Army readily extended its hand in cooperation—this serves as clear proof. In short, whether or not the Red Army and Chiang Kai-shek can reach an agreement does not depend on the Chinese Soviet Government; rather, it hinges entirely on Chiang Kai-shek’s resolve to resist Japan. Upholding our position of uniting all people in resistance against Japan, irrespective of past relationships or political differences, the Chinese Soviet Government leaves no room for exceptions and never closes the door to those who wish to repent. However, since Chiang Kai-shek remains obstinately unwilling to make a firm decision to resist Japan, no matter how much he may hint at such intentions, the Chinese Soviet Government will remain unmoved. The years-long bitter struggle between the Red Army and Chiang Kai-shek has never been a personal feud; it has been a necessary act of self-defense in the cause of national salvation through resistance against Japan. Precisely because Chiang Kai-shek can betray the nation at will, while we serve only the interests of the people, because he can disregard public opinion at will, whereas we are bound to respect it—should Chiang continue to surrender to Japan and betray the nation, we shall resist to the very end. We are confident that our fellow countrymen and our armed forces will ultimately stand with us in this righteous struggle. We warmly welcome all political parties, military units, and people from all walks of life, especially the younger generation, to swiftly join the unified front for national salvation through resistance against Japan.

[The remainder of Wang Zhonglei’s remarks is omitted.]

o The Salvation Times, January 3, 1936 Conversation with a Reporter from the Red China News Agency — Part Six