Revisions to Zhou Enlai’s Draft Political Report for the Second Session of the Second National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference [1] (January 1956) 1. We seek peace; however, should international aggressive forces impose war upon us, we shall not fear it. 2. Over the past year, our government has repeatedly pointed out that, in addition to liberation by military means, there also exists the possibility of peaceful liberation of Taiwan.
Thus, the people of mainland China and those of Taiwan share a common patriotic duty: while actively preparing, when necessary, to liberate Taiwan by force, they should at the same time strive to achieve its peaceful liberation. 3. All who are willing to pursue the path of peaceful liberation of Taiwan—regardless of their identity or the gravity of any past offenses—will be treated with great leniency by the Chinese people, without being held accountable for their previous actions.
Printed in the People’s Daily on January 31, 1956. (Includes a version revised by Mao Zedong.)
Notes [1] The text set in Song typeface in this document consists of passages added or rewritten by Mao Zedong.