Explanation of the "Central Committee's Decision on the Current Situation"

(January 30, 1941)

The Southern Anhui Incident and the reactionary order of January 17 mark the beginning of a complete rupture. This assessment is correct. The responsibility for the rupture lies with Chiang Kai-shek, and all justification is on our side. The declaration of July the year before last was more militant in nature, while the declaration of July last year emphasized unity more. Chiang Kai-shek believed that our July 7 declaration of last year and the "Jia Telegram" could win the sympathy of the middle forces, so he sought to take advantage of us. Our Party can only counter Chiang Kai-shek's policies by adopting a policy of sharp confrontation. In his speech on January 27, Chiang Kai-shek claimed that the Southern Anhui Incident was merely a matter of military discipline and a localized issue. We must make it clear that it is a political issue, an overall issue, and a diplomatic issue—one in which the Japanese aggressors and the pro-Japanese faction are pushing for capitulation and anti-communism. There is still some time between the initial rupture and a complete rupture. This rupture should not be described as a break between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, but rather as a break between the reactionary political representatives of the big landlords and big bourgeoisie and the entire Chinese people. We must maintain our alliance with the national bourgeoisie, but the Communist Party must preserve its independence. Chiang Kai-shek should be openly criticized. The solution to the current situation lies in the ten-point proposal.

Japan seeks to bring about China's total capitulation, and the pro-Japanese faction wants to push Chiang Kai-shek from resistance to surrender. For now, Chiang Kai-shek still belongs to the third group.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong's speech at the meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, explaining the "Central Committee's Decision on the Current Situation."