Critique on the Issue of a Naval Strongpoint [1]
(3 August 1960)

Returned to Comrade Luo Ruiqing for action as proposed.
Mao Zedong
2 August
[1]
This is a critique written by Mao Zedong on a July 1960 report of the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, addressed to Luo Ruiqing, Secretary-General of the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army, and Vice Premier of the State Council.

[2]
The report of the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee stated: Regarding the issue of establishing a naval strongpoint in the Xisha Archipelago, in March 1959 the Central Committee and Comrade Zhou Enlai had already issued instructions, namely that after the navy successfully completed regular patrols at Bei Jiao and the Xuande Archipelago, a naval strongpoint could be established on Yongxing Island. Since the navy began carrying out the task of patrolling Xisha on 17 March 1959, a period of one year and over four months has elapsed to date, with a total of 20 patrols conducted. In order to strengthen the defence of Hainan Island and the Xisha Archipelago and to accelerate the economic development of the Xisha region, we consider it necessary and appropriate to proceed at present with the construction of a naval strongpoint on Yongxing Island. The construction steps are proposed to be carried out in two phases: the first phase involves constructing barracks, warehouses, docks, radar stations, and other works; the second phase involves formally establishing a naval patrol defence zone at an opportune moment as circumstances permit.