Speech at the Summary Meeting on the Shajiadian Campaign[1]

(August 23, 1947)

The battle of Shajiadian was indeed fought well. It has decisive significance for the war situation in the Northwest, and the most difficult period is now behind us. To use our Hunan parlance, after fighting this battle, we have crossed the ridge.

Having water on one flank and the enemy on the other[2] is traditionally a taboo for military strategists, yet the Northwest Field Army commanded by our Elder General Peng fought heroically and, in just a single day, achieved an unprecedented victory.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong's speech at the summary meeting on the Shajiadian Campaign.

[2] "Having water on one flank and the enemy on the other" refers to the battlefield of the Shajiadian Campaign, which was bordered by desert to the north, the Yellow River to the east, and the Wuding River and Kuomintang forces to the west and south, leaving very little room for maneuver.