The aggression against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam is also an aggression against the entire socialist camp. This is not only a challenge to peace in Indochina but also a challenge to world peace. Present-day facts increasingly demonstrate that U.S. imperialism is the chief architect of aggressive and war-mongering policies, and the most vicious enemy of the peoples of the whole world.


With such a formidable foe before us, the peoples of China and the Soviet Union, together with the peoples of all socialist countries, must unite closely under the revolutionary banner of Marxism-Leninism, the banner of proletarian internationalist solidarity, and the banner of struggle against U.S. imperialism. We should resolutely support the Vietnamese people and the peoples of Indochina in their armed struggle against U.S. aggression; firmly back the Japanese and German peoples in their fight against the U.S. rearmament of Japan and West Germany’s militarism; vigorously stand by the Cuban and Congolese (Léopoldville) peoples in their resistance to U.S. armed intervention; and wholeheartedly assist all the peoples of the world in their struggle against the imperialists led by the United States—against their aggressive and warlike policies—in pursuit of world peace, national liberation, people’s democracy, and socialism, until final victory. This is an inescapable internationalist duty for every socialist country.


The Chinese people have consistently upheld Sino-Soviet friendship and solidarity, faithfully honoring the obligations set forth in the Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Assistance between China and the Soviet Union. No matter what developments may occur in the world, the 650 million Chinese people will steadfastly stand side by side with the great Soviet people and with the peoples of all socialist countries. May the eternal, unbreakable fraternal friendship between the Chinese and Soviet peoples flourish forever.


Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China
Liu Shaoqi, President of the People’s Republic of China
Zhu De, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China
Zhou Enlai, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China
Beijing, February 13, 1965