Pursue Independent, Self-Reliant Foreign Policy

The basic policy of New China in international affairs, as advocated by the Party, as determined by the resolution of the Eighth Party Congress in 1956.

On the eve of the founding of New China, in January 1949, the Central Committee of the CPC pointed out in its “Directive on Diplomatic Affairs” that "the most important thing" in diplomatic work was "not to allow any foreign country or the United Nations to interfere in China's internal affairs.”

Because China is an independent country, the affairs in China should be solved by the Chinese people and their government themselves. By adopting the policy of "starting anew" at the time of the founding of New China, "China changed its semi-colonial status and established politically independent and autonomous diplomatic relations."

Mao Zedong declared: "We oppose the bullying of us by the great powers.” “That is to say, no great power in the world is allowed to put strain on China.” "Whoever wants to control us or oppose us, whether it is a big capitalist country or a big socialist country, is not allowed to do so.”

Zhou Enlai also stressed: “We have a basic position on foreign affairs, namely, the position of the independence of the Chinese nation.” "If we do not resolutely implement the position of independence, we will become a satellite country and look up to the imperialists, we will become a subordinate country.”

To adhere to the position of independence is in no way to advocate narrow nationalism or to take the path of self-imposed isolation. Zhou Enlai stressed: "Independence does not exclude cooperation.” In modern times, the countries cannot be closed and isolated. True independence does not exclude international cooperation, that is, cooperation with truly friendly countries.

“Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of Uur Party Since the Founding of the People's Republic of China” by the CPC Central Committee stated: “We stand for the peaceful co-existence of the people of all countries and their mutual assistance on an equal footing. We insist on our own independence, and we respect other people’s right to independence. The road of revolution and construction suited to the characteristics of a country has to be explored, decided on and blazed by its own people. No one has the right to impose his views on others.”

“Under the leadership of the Party and Comrade Mao Zedong, no matter what difficulty we encountered, we never wavered, whether before or after the founding of New China, in our determination to remain independent and self-reliant and, we never submitted to any pressure from outside; we showed the dauntless and heroic spirit of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people.”