Instructions Regarding This Diplomatic Work
(1965)

I. Banquets
Our banquets for foreign guests are far too lavish and lack discernment; they invariably feature expensive dishes such as bird’s-nest soup and shark’s fin, regardless of the guests’ preferences. This is not only costly but also impractical, since many foreign visitors do not even consume such delicacies. These were the kinds of foods enjoyed by Empress Dowager Cixi and by characters like Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu in The Dream of the Red Chamber. When we host foreigners, four main courses and a soup would be sufficient. Moreover, the banquets should not be unduly prolonged; we need time both to converse with our guests and to dine with them, and we simply cannot afford to spend excessive hours on this.

I have heard that banquets abroad are much simpler affairs.

II. Gifts
The gifts we present to foreign dignitaries tend to be expensive and of high standard, consisting largely of items for daily use—clothing, food, and household goods—while commemorative or culturally significant presents are few. In fact, the value of a gift lies not in its quantity but in its reflection of national identity and its durability. While it is appropriate to be generous in giving, we must avoid extravagance and a “rich-kid” attitude. Relying solely on abundant gifts to foster friendship is misguided; genuine friendship is built through political engagement. Foreign guests, by contrast, often bring very modest tokens: Comrade Ai Di, for instance, once gave me a single “golden rooster feather,” and Comrade Yue Duo presented me with a small slingshot used by children. Such gifts are far more meaningful. A gift is meant to convey goodwill, not to sustain a way of life.

The funds we expend on gifts for foreign visitors come from state resources, and any presents bestowed upon us by our foreign counterparts likewise belong to the state and should not become personal property. As for the gifts I receive, those of exhibition value or historical significance ought to be placed on display; everyday items lacking such merit may either be internally appraised and sold (with the proceeds going to public funds) or turned over for official use. Certain edible gifts can be distributed among the staff for them to sample.

III. Etiquette
In matters of diplomatic protocol, we should not blindly imitate Western practices—such as wearing black suits and thin-soled leather shoes—which were adopted from foreigners. We are Chinese and possess our own customary norms. When foreign dignitaries visit China, what they seek to observe is our political system, our socialist revolution and construction, and the sentiments of the general populace. They are not interested in scrutinizing the style of our attire or footwear.