A Conversation with Edgar Snow [1] (October 22, 1960) That’s right. Whether or not the United States recognizes us, and regardless of whether we join the United Nations, we nonetheless bear the responsibility for maintaining world peace. We would never act recklessly simply because we are not members of the UN, like Sun Wukong running amok in Heaven. Our goal is to preserve world peace and prevent a global war. We advocate that nations resolve their disputes through peaceful means rather than warfare. However, ensuring world peace is a shared responsibility—not only China’s, but also America’s. Resolving the Taiwan issue, on the other hand, is China’s internal affair, a position we will steadfastly uphold. Printed according to the Selected Diplomatic Works of Mao Zedong. Notes [1] On October 22, 1960, the renowned American writer and journalist Edgar Snow raised the following point during his conversation with Mao Zedong: “Although there is currently no peace treaty or agreement between China and the United States, and although some Americans believe that the two countries are, in essence, in a state of semi-warfare, world peace nevertheless depends daily on China’s sense of responsibility. This sense of responsibility is first and foremost toward the Chinese people, and secondly toward the entire world, of which China is an integral part. Do you agree with this view?” Mao Zedong responded to Snow’s question. The present text is the written version of that reply, which was reviewed and approved by Mao Zedong himself and handed over to Snow on October 28th, with Mao’s consent for its public dissemination.