We deeply concur with the Plenum’s resolve to persist in the War of Resistance and to strengthen unity. As the declaration states: “Before final victory is achieved, we must undergo the most arduous and fiercest decisive battle in order to annihilate the enemy, eradicate the root of the menace once and for all, and adhere steadfastly to the principle of self-reliance while making the gravest possible preparations.” It further asserts: “Today, more than ever, we should devote ourselves wholeheartedly and courageously, pressing forward without delay, concentrating the combined strength of our 450 million people on the struggle.” Externally, we must engage in mutual assistance and cooperation to realize the universal principle of human equality; internally, we must unite in common accord and demonstrate an unwavering commitment born of sincere intent. Only through nationwide, genuine unity can we shoulder this unprecedentedly arduous mission.” All these points are entirely correct, clearly demonstrating that, on the most crucial policies—both domestic and foreign—the fundamental standpoints of the Kuomintang and the Communist Party are essentially in complete harmony. This expression by the Tenth Plenary Session is indeed cause for great rejoicing.

Since the outbreak of the War of Resistance, the Communist Party, the Eighth Route Army, and the New Fourth Army have consistently stood at the forefront of the national war effort. Despite being isolated behind enemy lines, suffering from extreme shortages of supplies, ammunition, and provisions, and facing dire hunger and mounting difficulties, they have nevertheless always obeyed the commands of Chairman Chiang Kai-shek, held their positions, and never retreated a single step. Chairman Chiang has said: “Regardless of north or south, young or old, every individual bears the responsibility to defend the homeland and resist the aggressor.” Guided by these words, Communist Party members and the people in the enemy-occupied areas organized guerrilla units that operated in close coordination with the main forces, resisting the enemy. Thanks to this, they have persevered for five and a half years and continue to stand firm today like a Great Wall, confronting fifteen Japanese divisions—half of all Japanese forces in China. There is good reason why they have been able to do so. Moreover, in the various anti-Japanese base areas, all measures were formulated in accordance with Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People, Chairman Chiang’s Program for National Reconstruction, and the various basic laws of the National Government, while taking local public opinion into account. In this way, concrete policies were devised that won the hearts and minds of the populace, securing their active support for the war effort and enabling sustained backing over the long term.

Our Party issued the Joint Declaration on Meeting the National Crisis on September 22, 1927, which set forth the following four principles: “First, Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People are indispensable to China today, and our Party is prepared to fight for their thorough implementation. Second, all policies advocating the overthrow of the Kuomintang regime through violent uprisings and all campaigns aimed at communist transformation shall be abolished; likewise, the policy of violently confiscating landlords’ land must be halted. Third, the existing Soviet government shall be dissolved, and a system of democratic governance shall be established, with a view to unifying the nation’s political authority. Fourth, the designation and numbering of the Red Army shall be abolished, and it shall be reorganized as part of the National Revolutionary Army, placed under the command of the Military Commission of the National Government, and kept ready to be deployed to the front lines to fulfill its duties in the War of Resistance.” Over the past five years, we have not dared to deviate in the slightest from these principles. Not only did we scrupulously observe them throughout the war, but we also intend to continue doing so after the conflict has ended. All of this has been done in order to achieve sincere unity with the Kuomintang and with all parties and social strata across the country, thereby fulfilling the historic mission of waging war to resist the enemy and building a new nation. The items listed in the Special Research Committee’s report bear no fundamental divergence in spirit from the four principles set forth in the aforementioned Communist Party declaration. With regard to the attitude toward the Communist Party, the Special Research Committee’s report, after enumerating various demands, declares: “The government shall treat all groups equally, not only refraining from discrimination but also guaranteeing them the rights and freedoms to which they are entitled as citizens.” This statement represents a sincere demand we have made for many years, and we are particularly gratified to see it now articulated so clearly. In summary, the position of the Chinese Communists is firmly grounded in the Anti-Japanese National United Front; whatever serves the interests of united resistance, they will implement it in good faith—this remains their unswerving principle. We earnestly hope that the Kuomintang will understand this sincere dedication to the nation and the people, leading to further cooperation. Even though the enemy is powerful, we shall ultimately drive them out of our territory, and a strong, independent Republic of China will soon be successfully established. Liberation Daily, November 30, 1941