Comrades of the People’s Liberation Army on the Fujian Front: The shelling of Kinmen will be suspended for another two weeks starting today, in order to observe the enemy’s movements and to allow the military and civilian compatriots on Kinmen to receive adequate supplies, including food and military equipment, so as to strengthen their defenses.


“An army thrives on deception,” but this is no deception. It is aimed at dealing with the Americans. This is a matter of national principle; we must draw a clear line between China and the United States. From a strategic perspective, what we are doing harms no one and benefits all—benefits whom? The ten million Chinese people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, as well as the entire nation of 650 million; it merely works against the interests of the Americans.

Some Communists may not yet fully grasp this point. How could such an idea have been conceived? They do not understand, they do not understand! Comrades, you will understand in due course.

The Americans stationed in Taiwan and in the Taiwan Strait must go home. They have no justification for remaining here; they must leave.

Among the Chinese people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, patriots far outnumber those who betray their country. Therefore, political work must be carried out to gradually awaken the majority of them, isolating the small minority of traitors. Given time, results will naturally emerge.

As long as the Kuomintang in Taiwan has not entered into peace negotiations with us and reached a reasonable settlement, the civil war will continue.

A spokesperson for the Taiwan authorities has stated that these on-again, off-again attacks are merely a Communist trick. Indeed, there have been periods of firing followed by pauses, but this is not a trick. Since you refuse to engage in talks, conflict is inevitable. While you maintain this obstinate stance, we reserve the right to act as we see fit—to fight when we choose, and to pause when we choose.

The Americans seek to meddle in our country’s civil war, calling it a “ceasefire,” which is truly laughable. What right do they have to speak on this matter? May I ask whom they represent? They represent no one. Do they represent the American people? China and the United States are not at war; there is no fire to cease. Do they represent the Taiwanese? The Taiwan authorities have issued them no credentials, and the Kuomintang leadership firmly opposes any Sino-American talks.

The American nation is a great one, and its people are good-hearted. They do not want war; they welcome peace. However, certain members of the U.S. government—for example, individuals like Dulles—are hardly wise. Take, for instance, the very notion of a “ceasefire”—isn’t that a lack of common sense?

The complete reunification of the motherland through the recovery of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu is a sacred mission shared by our 650 million people. This is China’s internal affair; outsiders have no right to interfere, nor does the United Nations.

All aggressors and their lackeys throughout the world will eventually be buried; that day is not far off. They cannot escape. Even if they try to hide on the moon, it will avail them nothing. Wherever they go, we can go too; we shall always bring them to justice.

In short, victory belongs to the peoples of the whole world.

No American ships shall provide escort in the waters around Kinmen. Should any attempt to do so, open fire immediately.

So ordered! Minister of National Defense Peng Dehuai, October 13, 1958, 1:00 a.m., based on the edition of the People’s Daily dated October 13, 1958.

Notes [1] This was drafted by Mao Zedong. [2] Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu refer to Taiwan, the Pescadores, Kinmen, and Matsu. [3] Dulles was then the U.S. Secretary of State.