On this visit to Chongqing, I would first like to express my gratitude to Mr. Chiang for his invitation and for the most gracious hospitality extended over these past forty-odd days. I also wish to thank our host tonight, Mr. Zhang Wenbai, for arranging such a grand banquet, as well as all the distinguished guests present today from every sector of society.

The current round of talks has attracted keen attention from the people throughout China, from friends around the world, and from the governments of our Allied nations. This is because these negotiations are not merely a matter between two parties; they concern the vital interests of the entire Chinese nation. As Mr. Zhang has pointed out, the prospects for these talks are indeed encouraging. Now that the forces of fascism in both East and West have been defeated, we live in an age of light—both for the world and for China. Over the past thirty years, the world has endured two great wars. The Second World War differed fundamentally from the first; in its wake, both the world and China have made rapid strides forward.

The aim of the present talks is to achieve peace and national reconstruction. Today, China has but one path before it: peace—peace brings prosperity. All other plans are misguided. (Applause) The discussions have been conducted in a spirit of mutual goodwill. With regard to those issues on which no agreement has yet been reached, the two sides have agreed to continue resolving them through consultation, rather than by any other means. Peace, democracy, and unity; the realization of national unification on the basis of these principles—this policy accords with the aspirations of the Chinese people as a whole, and with the expectations of people everywhere and of the governments of the Allied nations. Peace and cooperation must be sustained over the long term. Let us unite in heart and purpose, set aside all other considerations, and make concrete plans for enduring cooperation! (Applause)

For decades, all political parties and groupings throughout the country, under the leadership of Chairman Chiang, have worked in unison to fully implement the Three Principles of the People and to build a new China that is independent, free, prosperous, and strong. It is true that difficulties exist; to ignore this fact would be wrong. The Chinese people now face challenges, and many more lie ahead. Yet the Chinese people are not daunted by adversity. If the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, together with all other parties and groupings, stand united and resolute, they need fear no difficulty, however great. Guided by the principle of achieving national unification through peace and democracy, and under the leadership of Chairman Chiang, committed to the full implementation of the Three Principles of the People, we can surmount every obstacle. (Thunderous applause)  Long live the New China! Long live Chairman Chiang! (Prolonged applause)