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

(August 16, 1940)

Japan seeks to force China into peace negotiations by cutting off China’s southwestern communication routes, and Chiang Kai-shek, without foreign aid, will be unable to continue the War of Resistance. Therefore, there exists the possibility of peace and compromise in China’s War of Resistance. We must prepare for the fact that this year and beyond will be a major turning point in both international and domestic situations. China stands on the eve of great events, and we must be mentally prepared in all respects and exercise extreme prudence in our policies.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong’s speech during discussions on the international and domestic situation at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, after consulting materials including Molotov’s report, Japan’s Matsuoka report, and Chiang Kai-shek’s message to the people in enemy-occupied areas. Matsuoka refers to Matsuoka Yōsuke, then Foreign Minister of Japan.