Tomorrow will be October the First, China's National Day, the day marking the independence of the nation, the end of century of humiliation, and the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, as she is standing tall as a symbol of resilience, strength, and national pride. Here's one reflection to honor that achievements. May China continue to prosper and united as one.
During the height of the Cold War, détente between China and the U.S. emerged in the early 1970s, following the Sino-Soviet rupture.
There are many interesting anecdotes surrounding this initial thaw in tensions. One, which I heard from my sister, particularly stands out.
By 1969, tensions between China and the Soviet Union had reached a boiling point, culminating in border clashes along Zhenbaodao. Fears grew that the conflict could escalate into full-scale war.
Throughout China, people were deeply anxious about the possibility of Soviet nuclear strikes. The memory of the U.S. dropping two atomic bombs on Japan was still fresh in many minds, intensifying the fear of nuclear devastation.
Domestically, Mao Zedong led the country with the slogan "深挖洞，广积粮，不称霸" (shēn wā dòng, guǎng jī liáng, bù chēng bà) — "dig deep tunnels, store grain extensively, and do not seek hegemony." This reflected China's defensive and self-reliant strategy at a time when it faced threats from both the Soviet Union and the United States, the two Superpowers in the world.
I recall participating in the drive to dig tunnels, helping adults constructing underground bomb shelters in preparation for potential nuclear war, particularly with the Soviet Union. Storing grain extensively ensured China could sustain itself in case of prolonged conflict or economic isolation with decades of sanctions against China from the west and the U.S. "Do not seek hegemony" declared to the world that China would not pursue global dominance as other superpowers did.
In this tense atmosphere, Mao Zedong, half-jokingly, was reportedly quoted as saying that if the Soviets launched a nuclear attack and rendered China’s land uninhabitable, "We would pack up the whole nation and begin another Long March—this time toward Siberia, through the Bering Strait, and into the Americas."
The U.S. government, upon hearing this, allegedly took it seriously, fearing that the world's largest army of refugees might march into the Americas. Wryly, they noted, "The Chinese are certainly good at Long Marches."
While there are variations of this anecdote, it remains more of a humorous and fictional statement attributed to Mao than a verified historical fact.
The story highlights Mao's defiant and humorous attitude in the face of pressures and nuclear threats, particularly during the Sino-Soviet tensions of the late 1960s. His quip about enduring nuclear war and launching another Long March reflects the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Chinese people in the face of potential devastation and the threat of extinction.
Whether true or not, the anecdote reflects broader fears of war and the potential for mass refugee migration. At the time, the U.S. government was concerned about various geopolitical scenarios, including the fear of large-scale Chinese migration.
In conclusion, this anecdote, whether based on fact or embellished over time, offers a glimpse into the dire and desperate era following the founding of the PRC. It stands as a testament to the resilience and character of the Chinese people during a period of intense geopolitical strife. Mao Zedong's half-joking remark reflects his indomitable spirit and determination to survive at all costs, even if it meant enduring another, even longer march. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the tragic implications of war: mass displacement and the immense struggles faced by nations confronting existential threats.