—5t]

The December 9th Movement holds profound historical significance. It served as a preparatory stage for the Great War of Resistance Against Japan, much as the May Fourth Movement had paved the way for the Great Revolution of 1925–1927. In both cases, it galvanized a nationwide movement: students rose up across the country, workers and students went on strike, and merchants shut down their shops in protest. During that period, the May Fourth Movement cultivated public opinion, trained cadres, forged revolutionary thought, and won the hearts of the people—conditions that ultimately made possible the Great Revolution of 1925–1927. Similarly, the December 9th Movement was an undertaking to mobilize the nation for resistance; it prepared both the ideological groundwork and the ranks of revolutionary leaders, rallying the entire Chinese people. Taking place at a time when the Red Army was advancing northward to fight the Japanese invaders and had already reached Northwest China, the December 9th Movement exemplified the close connection between the student uprising and the Red Army’s northern expedition. Together, these two developments helped set the stage for the all-out national war of resistance. Following the August 1st Declaration, the CPC Central Committee called upon the entire nation to oppose Japanese imperialism and to unite in the struggle against aggression. The December 9th Movement erupted shortly thereafter. Students protested the oppression they were suffering, condemned Japanese imperialist aggression against China, and demanded an end to the civil war so that all forces could join together in resisting Japan. This movement stirred the whole country and will be remembered as a major milestone in history.

China is destined to move forward forever. The Chinese people have come to understand many fundamental truths: they are clear about their aspirations—to advance, to achieve democracy, and to participate in state affairs. However, the full realization of democracy and constitutionalism still requires sustained struggle by all. At present, there exists a reactionary faction within the resistance camp that seeks to drag the nation backward. This represents the dark forces suppressing the forces of light, a clash between light and darkness—a form of tyranny that stifles freedom. Yet the youth of China, along with the working class and peasantry, also possess another kind of freedom: the freedom to resist the oppression of these dark forces. They refuse to allow any regression; they stand firm in the war of resistance and oppose surrender; they uphold unity and reject division; they champion progress and resist retrogression.

Finally, Comrade Mao Zedong once remarked that since the May Fourth Movement, the Communist Party has been closely allied with the intelligentsia. In the December 9th Movement, the Party played a central, leading role. These observations underscore the necessity for intellectuals to unite with the Party, with the broad masses of workers and peasants, and with the revolutionary armed forces—specifically with the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army. The Party warmly welcomes progressive intellectuals while firmly opposing those few who have gone astray. Today, many young intellectuals find themselves deprived of genuine freedom, unable to pursue their own paths. It is imperative that they join the revolutionary ranks, that pens be joined with guns, to defeat Japanese imperialism, secure victory in the War of Resistance, and establish a democratic republic! — (Prolonged, enthusiastic applause; slogans are shouted.)o..☆