Determine to Launch the Most Sophisticated Technology

A major strategic thought proposed by Mao Zedong.

In the construction of national defense industry, Mao proposed that China must develop both conventional weapons and cutting-edge weapons. For him, the People’s Army could be reduced appropriately so as to "free up money for a set of conventional equipment"; at the same time, “another sum of money should be set aside for medium-range missiles, which can hit more than 1,500 kilometers or 2,000 kilometers.” "Our technology must catch up with and surpass international standards, and no matter what country, no matter what missiles, atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, we must surpass them.” Of course, “we don't want to use atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs to win in the war. How can we use such weapons to defeat imperialism? It is still necessary to engage in conventional weapons."

In guiding national defense construction and army construction, Mao Zedong had always put the development of modern national defense science and technology in an important strategic position. In June 1958, he clearly put forward the ambitious goal of developing atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs and intercontinental missiles in China at the enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission. Then in the early 1960s, he also put forward the demand for the development of artificial satellites.

In 1958, China built its first experimental atomic reactor, and the development of the atomic bomb progressed smoothly. But in June 1959, the Soviet Union unilaterally broke the Sino-Soviet agreement on cooperation in the development of nuclear weapons on the grounds that it had held talks with the United States and the United Kingdom on a partial ban on nuclear weapons, and in August of the following year, withdrew all experts, took away important drawings and materials, and stopped supplying equipment and materials, causing great losses and serious difficulties to the ongoing development of the Chinese nuclear bomb. At this critical moment, the CPC Central Committee resolutely decided to take the matter into its own hands and start from scratch, preparing to spend eight years to develop an atomic bomb by starting from scratch.

Mao Zedong clearly pointed out: "We must be determined to develop cutting-edge technology. Khrushchev did not give us cutting-edge technology, excellent! If he had, it would have been very difficult to repay this debt."

Through the hard work of scientists, cadres, workers and the masses, New China had made a series of important achievements in the field of cutting-edge science and technology, such as nuclear technology, artificial satellites and launch vehicles.

On October 16, 1964, China successfully exploded its first atomic bomb.

On June 17, 1967, the first hydrogen bomb was successfully exploded.

On January 30, 1970, the first medium-range and long-range ballistic missile was successfully launched.

On April 26 of the same year, the first artificial earth satellite was successfully launched.

In 1975, the first recoverable artificial earth satellite was successfully tested.

These achievements indicated that China was approaching the world’s advanced level in some aspects of cutting-edge science and technology.

Deng Xiaoping said, “If China did not have atom bombs and hydrogen bombs, and had not launched satellites since the 60s, then China would not be called an important, influential country and would not enjoy the international status that it does today. These things reflect the ability of a nation, and are also a symbol of the prosperity of a nation and a country.”