Criticize Han Chauvinism [1]
(March 16, 1953)

In some places, ethnic relations are highly abnormal. Such a situation is intolerable for Communists. We must deeply criticize the serious Han chauvinist ideology that exists among many Party members and cadres within our Party—namely, the reactionary ideology manifested by the landlord class and the bourgeoisie in ethnic relations, which is essentially the ideology of the Kuomintang. We must immediately begin to rectify mistakes in this regard. Wherever there are minority ethnic groups, we must send comrades who understand ethnic policies and are filled with heartfelt sympathy for our minority compatriots who are still being discriminated against and suffering. These comrades should lead visiting delegations to conduct on-site visits, carry out serious investigations and research, and assist local Party and government organizations in identifying and resolving problems, rather than making superficial, cursory visits.

Based on a considerable amount of material, the Central Committee believes that wherever there are minority ethnic groups, there largely exist unresolved problems, some of which are very serious. On the surface, things may appear calm and uneventful, but in reality, the problems are severe. The issues discovered in various places over the past two to three years all prove that Han chauvinism exists almost everywhere. If we do not now firmly grasp—