(September 17, 1956)
As soon as we see Egyptians, we feel delighted; there is no barrier between us. Egypt has done a very good thing, and the entire Chinese people support Egypt. The peoples of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the whole world also stand with Egypt. At least eighty percent of the world’s population backs Egypt, while only a small number of countries oppose it, and another group remains neutral.
In my view, the United States also agrees that Egypt should regain control of the Suez Canal. It will not help Britain wrest the canal back from Egypt, for that would serve no purpose either. The U.S. has its own objectives. From America’s perspective, it makes little difference whether the canal is in British and French hands or in Egyptian hands. Washington never really expected to implement the “Dulles Plan.” Rather, its aim was to use this opportunity to drive Britain and France out of the Middle East and establish its own sphere of influence. The Soviet Union, the Arab states, India, and the Colombo Group all support Egypt. With the Soviet Union on the scene, Britain, the United States, and France dare not act rashly. This time, Egypt skillfully exploited the contradictions among imperialist powers, between imperialist and socialist countries, and between imperialist states and newly independent nations. You should also take advantage of the rifts within imperialist countries—between their governments and their peoples. These countries are far from united internally.
Your king did wrong and was therefore overthrown by the people, yet he remains an Egyptian. Now that all Egyptians, all Arabs, and all Asian and African peoples are united, he too ought to show some patriotism: he should refrain from making statements harmful to Egypt and stop acting as a lackey of imperialism.
[I]
This is a conversation between Mao Zedong and Hassan Ragab, Egypt’s ambassador to China.

When land reform was carried out in China, the landlords’ land was confiscated, but during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, they still supported fighting against the Americans.
Egypt has united eighty million Arabs, forming a solid front against imperialism. On this front, Egypt occupies the vanguard position. China, for its part, stands at the forefront of another anti-imperialist front. With you alongside us, our task becomes much easier. Should you fall, things would become difficult here as well. There are many foreign enterprises operating in Egypt, and numerous foreign oil companies throughout the Middle East. It is impossible to reclaim all of them at once; the process must proceed step by step. The recovery of the Suez Canal was an excellent start. President Nasser would do well, for the time being, not to visit unprotected areas, for after their plan failed, the imperialists may resort to various means, including assassination. Western countries have denounced President Nasser as an ambitious man, even as a second Hitler, claiming he seeks to dominate the Arab world. However, we regard him as a national hero of Asia and Africa, which is precisely why imperialism dislikes him. President Nasser has acted with great shrewdness, sometimes taking a firm stance, sometimes adopting a more flexible approach, and at times employing entirely peaceful methods. During his recent talks with the “Five-Power Committee,” he dispatched them home in a remarkably conciliatory tone.
In China, you may go wherever you wish without any restrictions. Whether you want to visit the army, air force, navy, factories, schools, or rural areas, you are free to do so. You can speak with anyone you choose, directly engaging workers, farmers, and others. You are welcome to pay courtesy calls on leaders of the democratic parties; they strongly support Egypt, and such visits would be greatly appreciated. You may also meet with heads of various government departments and request whatever information you need. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide you with every possible assistance and convenience. You are encouraged to study China’s situation, which is indeed worthy of close examination. In Beijing, Egyptians are currently held in the highest regard.
The Soviet Union will do everything in its power to assist Egypt. China, too, is willing to extend every possible aid to Egypt, and our support comes with no strings attached. Whatever you require, as long as it falls within our capabilities, we will certainly help. As for repaying our assistance, you may do so if you are able; if not, that is perfectly acceptable—we can simply provide grants. Of course, Egypt is a nation proud of its national dignity. If you decide to repay our aid, we can keep a record of the amount and settle it later, perhaps even a century from now. Egypt is currently under economic blockade by Western powers. We ourselves have experienced similar blockades and fully understand the hardships faced by the Egyptian people. During the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, China expended considerable resources and suffered significant losses. Now that the war is over, we are in a position to offer all-out assistance to Egypt.
On September 17, 1956, Mao Zedong engaged in a cordial conversation with Hassan Ragab, Egypt’s first ambassador to China.