Telegram to Chen Yi [1] Regarding the Construction of Fortifications along the East China Coast
(January 29, 1951)

Comrade Chen Yi, with copy to Rao [2] and to the Central-South Military Region, the Guangdong Military Region, the Guangxi Military Region, and the East China Military Region:

In view of the fact that, during the previous period, the Guangdong authorities had carried out fortification work in various locations without prior surveying, guidance, or design from the Central-South Military Region, the result was that such works proved useless and resulted in enormous waste, we hereby urge you to exercise particular care in providing advance guidance for the current fortification projects being undertaken by the East China Military Region at Xiamen, Pingtan, Zhoushan, and Wuyu, as well as for the construction of the Nanping–Tong’an Highway in Fujian. Specifically: First, no fortifications are to be constructed haphazardly within designated areas without thorough study and proper design, so as to avoid futile expenditure; second, even within the designated areas, only those installations deemed most essential should be built, and indiscriminate construction everywhere must be avoided; third, no fortifications are to be constructed along the mainland coastline or in inland regions; fourth, mainland forces are to be stationed in depth; when the enemy lands, they are to permit the landing and then engage and destroy the enemy at an opportune moment, rather than attempting to defend every possible point or seeking to prevent the landing altogether; fifth, with regard to building materials, those that are genuinely required are to be provided without stint, according to actual need, while at the same time strict measures must be taken to prevent waste, making full use of salvaged materials and practicing economy wherever possible.

Mao Zedong
January Ganwan Day
[1]
Chen Yi was at the time Commander of the East China Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army.
[2]
Rao refers to Rao Shushi, who was then Political Commissar of the East China Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army.