Speech at a Meeting of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China[1]

(January 5, 1939)

At present, the primary objective of Japanese imperialism is, first, to destroy the army and political power of the Kuomintang, and second, to destroy the army and political power of the Communist Party. Chiang Kai-shek’s recent actions in military affairs, diplomacy, and opposition to Wang Jingwei have shown progress, yet within this progress, he still seeks to restrict us. Chiang’s policy is to ally with the Communist Party while simultaneously opposing it, which is why there has recently been an increase in frictions in various places. Our Party’s policy regarding the current situation is to support Chiang and oppose Wang, and a directive telegram must be issued on this matter.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong’s speech at a meeting of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China concerning the issue of Wang Jingwei’s betrayal of the country and defection to the enemy.