Commentary on Lin Biao’s [!] Five Principles
(November 20, 1965)
This document has been read. I concur with the Five Principles.
Return to Comrade Lin Biao.
Mao Zedong
November 20
[I]
Lin Biao,
who at the time served as Vice Chairman of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Vice Premier of the State Council as well as Minister of National Defense.
[2]
This commentary was written on the record of a telephone report that Lin Biao made to Mao Zedong on November 16, 1965. The report stated: “Based on the recent situation in the Navy and Air Force, I have put forward five principles, which are intended to serve as the guiding policy for the entire military’s work next year, thereby unifying all types of operations and missions.” Attached to the record of the telephone report was a news dispatch published in the People’s Daily on November 15, 1965, outlining the five principles proposed by Lin Biao. Following Mao Zedong’s instruction, the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee decided on November 25: “These five principles shall be adopted as the guiding policy for the entire military’s work in 1966; all units are expected to implement them accordingly.” When the decision was officially promulgated, certain additions and revisions were made to Lin Biao’s original five principles. They are as follows: First, study and apply Chairman Mao’s works in a flexible and practical manner, with particular emphasis on putting them into practice; Chairman Mao’s writings should be regarded as the supreme directive governing all aspects of our armed forces’ work. Second, uphold the Four Firsts, with special focus on vigorously promoting ideological work. Third, leading cadres must go deep into the grassroots level, energetically advance the Movement for Model Companies, effectively strengthen the foundations, and at the same time earnestly improve their own leadership style. Fourth, boldly promote truly outstanding officers and soldiers to key leadership positions. Fifth, rigorously train in advanced technical skills and in close-combat and night-fighting tactics.