Comments on the Report from the Embassy in the Soviet Union Concerning the Handling of Certain Issues in Sino-Soviet Relations[I]
(January 15, 1959)

[I] Refers to the report submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Chinese Embassy in the Soviet Union on January 13, 1959, regarding opinions on Sino-Soviet relations. The report stated that over the past year or so, Soviet press propaganda has shown that the Soviet comrades mainly praise and support our country’s major policies and guidelines, but still harbor certain reservations or doubts about some of these issues. We believe that the complete alignment of views and policies between the Soviet Union and our country on basic orientations and many major issues is definite, and it is also natural that certain differences in views and approaches may arise on individual issues. If these are not handled properly, they could easily lead to misunderstandings by the Soviet comrades and could also be exploited by international enemies to carry out divisive and provocative propaganda. Therefore, at present, we must be particularly cautious in propaganda work and in handling Sino-Soviet relations and affairs. Recently, some of our comrades, in external contacts, have spoken without sufficient modesty, suggesting that the Soviet Union is less capable than we are and has nothing worth learning from. They have inappropriately emphasized our country’s achievements, even exaggerated the speed of our construction, and irresponsibly disclosed unconfirmed long-term targets at will. Some have even adopted an arrogant attitude, embarrassing the Soviet side. This is an issue worthy of attention. In order to prevent and eliminate the above-mentioned negative influences in Sino-Soviet relations to the greatest extent possible, we propose the following suggestions: (1) The composition of our Party delegation to the forthcoming 21st Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union should be such that it fully demonstrates our Party’s high regard and the seamless unity between the Chinese and Soviet Parties. (2) For the various professional delegations to be sent to the Soviet Union in the future, attention should be paid to the composition of their members, leadership should be strengthened, and friendship and professional cooperation should be emphasized. (3) When delegations discuss with the Soviet side various matters beyond the scope of agreements, they should give more consideration to the other side’s circumstances, so as to avoid imposing difficulties on them. (4) Regarding certain differing opinions with the Soviet Union, public expression in newspapers, periodicals, or public forums should be avoided as much as possible. (5) More work should be done with the Soviet experts in China, with an attitude of modesty.