Telegram to Chen Yi [1] on Ensuring Xiamen and Strengthening Coastal Defenses (January 16, 1951) Comrade Chen Yi, with copy to Rao [2]: Your telegram of noon today has been received. (1) I concur with your plans for the first and second stages; four armies in Fujian are more than sufficient.
Xiamen must be secured.
With the entire 31st Army stationed in and around Xiamen, it should be capable of fulfilling this mission.
Please inform us of the combat effectiveness of that army. (2) Xiamen must stockpile ample food and ammunition, implement active rather than passive air defense measures, conduct thorough political mobilization among the defending troops, and reinforce deep-layered fortifications.
It is imperative to ensure the long-term security of Xiamen. (3) The Air Force is preparing to participate in the Korean War and therefore cannot provide support to East China. (4) In addition to Fujian, where Xiamen is already designated as the primary target of enemy attack and corresponding preparations have been made, the coastal areas of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces also need to be readied to repel any enemy incursions.
Accordingly, the 24th Army should continue its routine training in the Changzhou area and not be transferred to Fujian.
All units throughout East China, except those engaged in bandit suppression, must remain highly vigilant, intensify their training, and prepare to confront the enemy. (5) Please urge the four divisions and two regiments in Fujian responsible for bandit suppression to take vigorous action, achieving tangible results each week.
Those who demonstrate outstanding performance should be rewarded, while those with poor results should be criticized, and any violations should be punished.
It is essential to eradicate the bandit menace as soon as possible. (6) All forces in East China should rely entirely on their own capabilities to annihilate Chiang Kai-shek’s invading forces and should not expect external assistance.
The scattered bandits in Jiangsu and Zhejiang must be cleared within a specified timeframe.
Mao Zedong January 16

Based on the manuscript.
Notes [1] Chen Yi was then Second Secretary of the CPC East China Bureau and Commander of the East China Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army. [ ] Rao refers to Rao Shushi, who at the time served as First Secretary of the CPC East China Bureau and Political Commissar of the East China Military Region.