Telegrams from Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai to Malenkov and Molotov Congratulating Them on the Eighth Anniversary of the Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan (September 2, 1953)

Comrade Malenkov, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics:

Comrade Molotov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics:

On this occasion of the eighth anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, on behalf of the Chinese people and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, we extend our warmest congratulations to the Soviet people and the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union.

Throughout the long and arduous war against Japanese imperialist aggression, and particularly in the final battle that routed Japanese imperialism, the Chinese people received unwavering support and assistance from the Soviet people. Especially in 1945, thanks to the participation of the Soviet Armed Forces, together with the Chinese people, Japanese imperialism was defeated, securing final victory.

Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, and as a result of the signing of the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance, the unbreakable friendship between China and the Soviet Union has been steadily consolidated and developed. This great friendship has now become a solid guarantee of peace in the Far East and world peace.

Here, we would also like to emphasize that the fraternal assistance rendered by the Soviet Union to the Chinese people has been an important factor in the rapid recovery of China’s economy and its transition to a path of planned development.

Recently, the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement clearly represents another significant achievement attained by the entire camp of peace and democracy in its efforts to safeguard peace and prevent a new war. This new major accomplishment has contributed to an initial easing of the international situation and will also assist the Japanese people in their endeavors to establish normal relations with the countries of the Far East, so as to preclude the resurgence of Japanese imperialist aggression.

Long live the everlasting cooperation between China and the Soviet Union in the just cause of defending peace in the Far East and throughout the world!

Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China

Zhou Enlai, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Beijing, September 2, 1953 Printed according to the edition published in the People’s Daily on September 3, 1953. (With revisions by Mao Zedong)