Participants: Mao Zedong, Nehru, Zhang Wentian, Li Yimeng, Ji Chaoding
Archive: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
URL: https://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/document/minutes-chairman-mao-zedongs-first-meeting-nehru

October 19, 1954

Nehru: I am very happy to have the opportunity to meet Chairman Mao.

Mao Zedong: I am also very happy to meet you.

Nehru: I have been looking forward to visiting China.

Mao Zedong: You are very welcome to visit China.

Nehru: I have been to many places in China. I have seen that China has undergone great changes.

Mao Zedong: What you have seen is only a part of it. There are still many places that you have not seen.

Nehru: I hope to have the opportunity to see more places in China.

Mao Zedong: You are welcome to come to China often.

Nehru: I am very grateful for your invitation.

Mao Zedong: China and India should strengthen their cooperation.

Nehru: I completely agree with you.

Mao Zedong: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence [mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence] are very good.

Nehru: I also think the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are very good.

Mao Zedong: We should promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Nehru: We should let the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence become the guiding principles for relations between countries.

Mao Zedong: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence can also be applied to relations between countries with different social systems.

Nehru: I agree with you.

Mao Zedong: China and India should strengthen their economic and cultural exchanges.

Nehru: I also think we should strengthen our economic and cultural exchanges.

Mao Zedong: We can learn from each other.

Nehru: Yes, we can learn from each other.

Mao Zedong: I am very interested in Indian philosophy.

Nehru: Indian philosophy has a long history.

Mao Zedong: I hope to have the opportunity to study Indian philosophy.

Nehru: You are welcome to study Indian philosophy.

Mao Zedong: I also hope to learn more about Indian culture.

Nehru: You are welcome to learn more about Indian culture.

Mao Zedong: I am very happy to have this conversation with you.

Nehru: I am also very happy to have this conversation with you.

Mao Zedong: I hope you have a pleasant stay in China.

Nehru: Thank you.

Zhang Wentian, Li Yimeng, Ji Chaoding were present at the meeting.