October 10, 2024 — The CCP's Resolution vs. Jiang Qing's Statement

In his later years, Mao Zedong once remarked that he had "done two great things" in his life, one of which was personally initiating and leading the Cultural Revolution.

By 1981, the 11th Plenary Session of the Sixth Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) passed a "Resolution on Certain Historical Issues" (referred to as "The Resolution"). This document provided a conclusive assessment of the Cultural Revolution, stating: "History has proven that the 'Cultural Revolution' was an internal disorder initiated by the mistakes of leaders, exploited by counter-revolutionary groups, bringing serious disaster to the Party, the nation, and the people of all ethnic groups."

These 42 words constitute the CCP's official stance on the Cultural Revolution, with the phrase "exploited by counter-revolutionary groups" becoming the center of debate. Essentially, this statement suggests that two counter-revolutionary factions—Lin Biao's and Jiang Qing's—exploited both Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution.

However, does this align with historical facts? Jiang Qing, at her trial in the "Special Court" that ultimately decided her fate, presented a different narrative. In her self-defense statement, "A Few of My Thoughts," she boldly declared before a broad audience: "You are using the authority of the state to fabricate this special court, charging me with numerous crimes. None of these accusations hold water... You are employing tactics reminiscent of ancient times—like 'Xiang Zhuang brandishing his sword with his sights set on the Duke of Pei.' What you are really doing is slandering Chairman Mao. Now you arrest and try me, but your real target is Chairman Mao. There's a saying from my hometown: 'When you hit the dog, you must consider the master's face.' What you're doing is attacking Chairman Mao. I am just Chairman Mao's dog. For Chairman Mao, I am not afraid of your attacks. On Chairman Mao's political chessboard, although I am just a pawn, I am a pawn that has crossed the river..."

Jiang Qing's defense is clear: she claimed that the trial against her was, in essence, a trial against Mao Zedong. Her analogy—likening herself to Mao's dog—conveyed that during the Cultural Revolution, she was merely acting under Mao's orders, biting whomever he directed her to attack.

So the question arises: According to the CCP’s Resolution, Jiang Qing exploited Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution; however, according to Jiang Qing’s own words, it was Mao Zedong who used her during the Cultural Revolution. Who, then, is telling the truth? Who is lying? To answer these questions, we must turn to the historical facts of the Cultural Revolution.

The Facts Speak for Themselves, and the Evidence is Irrefutable


Jiang Qing's statement is truthful. Consider the following:

  1. In May 1966, in order to launch the Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong first established the Central Cultural Revolution Group (CCRG), which was positioned above the Central Secretariat and the Central Politburo, serving as a special agency to lead the Cultural Revolution. Mao, who was renowned for his skill in appointing people, named Jiang Qing as the first deputy leader (and at one point acting leader) of the CCRG. Given Jiang Qing’s special status as "Mao’s wife," this effectively placed her in control of the CCRG. This was Mao Zedong’s greatest use of Jiang Qing during the Cultural Revolution.

  2. The critique of Wu Han's Hai Rui Dismissed from Office was the first spark igniting the Cultural Revolution, done behind the backs of first-line leaders like Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai, and Deng Xiaoping—effectively behind the back of the Central Committee. To ensure this fire burned quickly and fiercely, Mao sent Jiang Qing to Shanghai to organize Zhang Chunqiao and Yao Wenyuan to write "On the New Historical Play Hai Rui Dismissed from Office," which was published after being reviewed and approved by Mao. Unfortunately, the fire did not burn as intensely as expected.

  3. Determined to launch the Cultural Revolution and bring down Liu Shaoqi, Mao Zedong came up with a new tactic. He used Jiang Qing’s familiarity with the arts, instructing her to seek out Lin Biao (Jiang’s other role was as the "advisor to the People’s Liberation Army Cultural Revolution Group") to convene a forum on military arts, resulting in the publication of a summary of the military arts forum. This was a crucial step in Mao’s Cultural Revolution strategy, also key in bringing Jiang Qing to prominence in politics, allowing her to play a larger role in the Cultural Revolution—essentially making her more useful to Mao.

  4. During the Cultural Revolution, Mao placed great trust in Jiang Qing, who was his staunch and loyal supporter. The most compelling evidence is Mao's letter to Jiang Qing on July 8, 1966, in which he used "political code words" (which Mao referred to as "black language"), understood only by the two of them. The content was, of course, not suitable for others to know. On August 4, 1967, Mao wrote to Jiang Qing again, instructing her to "arm the left-wing factions." These crucial directives were conveyed to the Politburo through Jiang Qing for execution nationwide. Jiang Qing did not fail Mao’s "expectations," becoming the vanguard of his Cultural Revolution.

Looking at the ten years of the Cultural Revolution as a whole, Jiang Qing was Mao Zedong’s most direct, close, and consistent collaborator and supporter. Every major strategic move Mao made during the Cultural Revolution—from organizing the critique of Hai Rui Dismissed from Office, drafting the first guiding document of the Cultural Revolution, the "May 16 Notice", to the downfall of Liu Shaoqi, the attack on Lin Biao, the "Criticize Lin, Criticize Confucius (and Zhou)", the "Criticize Deng" campaign, and the production of model revolutionary operas—Mao made full use of Jiang Qing. Jiang Qing, in turn, responded enthusiastically, finding every way to execute Mao’s orders. As a result, Mao was very pleased with Jiang Qing's performance in the Cultural Revolution, once praising her for "great contributions in the criticism of Liu Shaoqi and Lin Biao during the Cultural Revolution."

The Claim that Mao Was "Exploited by a Counterrevolutionary Clique" Is Illogical

It is widely known that prior to the Cultural Revolution, there was no such thing as the two "counterrevolutionary cliques" of Lin Biao and Jiang Qing. If we follow the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) Resolution, which claims that these two counterrevolutionary cliques "exploited" Mao and the Cultural Revolution, we must ask: when and how were these two "counterrevolutionary cliques" formed? Let’s look at the official CCP "histories":

The "Lin Biao Counterrevolutionary Clique" supposedly "gradually developed during the Cultural Revolution... Initially forming in the summer of 1967 through the 'May 13 Incident' and the establishment of the Military Affairs Commission Working Group. After the 'Yang, Yu, Fu' incident in 1968, Huang Yongsheng was appointed Chief of Staff and head of the working group, and the Lin Biao clique further developed." It was "eliminated" in the aftermath of Lin Biao's death on September 13, 1971.

The "Jiang Qing Counterrevolutionary Clique" supposedly began forming in April 1969, when Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, and Yao Wenyuan became members of the Politburo at the Ninth Central Committee. In September 1972, Wang Hongwen was transferred to central work, becoming a core member of Jiang Qing’s "counterrevolutionary clique," and the "Gang of Four" began to take shape.

From this, it is clear that one "clique" only "initially formed" during the chaos of the Cultural Revolution in the summer of 1967 and collapsed in September 1971 (yet the Cultural Revolution continued for another five years after that). The other clique only "initially formed" in September 1972 (six years after the Cultural Revolution had already started). Given this timeline, the claim that Mao’s Cultural Revolution was "exploited" by these groups is logically untenable. If anything, these "counterrevolutionary cliques," assuming they existed, were products of the Cultural Revolution itself. To suggest that they somehow preceded or even initiated the Cultural Revolution contradicts historical facts.

Moreover, the primary reason Mao launched the Cultural Revolution was to overthrow Liu Shaoqi under the pretense of criticizing his "capitalist reactionary line." Given the discrepancies in the timeline between the supposed existence of these "counterrevolutionary cliques" and the ten-year span of the Cultural Revolution, the claim that Mao was "exploited" by them to topple Liu Shaoqi is illogical. In fact, the confusion in the Resolution exposes the fallacy of the claim that Mao was manipulated by such groups.

Who Used Whom? Listen to What Mao Zedong Said

In the first major document of the Cultural Revolution, the May 16 Circular of 1966, it clearly stated: "Comrade Mao Zedong personally led and initiated this Cultural Revolution."

Mao himself did not hide this fact. He said multiple times, in simpler language, "The fire (referring to the fire of the Cultural Revolution) was lit by me."

At the Central Work Conference in October 1966, Mao again said, "I started this fire of the Cultural Revolution!" Lin Biao, who had already been chosen as Mao's successor, also said at this conference: "This movement (referring to the Cultural Revolution) was initiated and led by the Chairman from start to finish."

Who Used Whom? Listen to the Historians

Renowned professor Wang Nianyi from the National Defense University, widely regarded as a pioneer and foundational scholar in Cultural Revolution research, commented in a letter dated May 12, 2004, on the Resolution's "conclusion" about the Cultural Revolution: "Hu Qiaomu’s claim that '(Mao Zedong) was used by Lin Biao and Jiang Qing' is too politically motivated and doesn't quite fit the facts. Wang Dongxing once said in an interview with Su Caiqing: 'Mao was wise throughout his life, sharp-eyed, and never deceived.' Saying Mao was used by Lin and Jiang is baseless. The 'great strategic measures' of the Cultural Revolution were all made by Mao, not by Lin or Jiang... Lin and Jiang indeed did bad things during the Cultural Revolution, but they did so under Mao’s 'great strategic deployments.' The 'armed defense of the left' was also a response to Mao’s call. Mao wanted to arm a million leftists, which led to the concept of 'armed defense of the left.' Jiang Qing did play a role in bringing down Liu Shaoqi, but it was Mao who made the decision to oust Liu, so it cannot be blamed on Jiang."

Who Used Whom? Listen to Wu Faxian

"In the Cultural Revolution, regarding the persecution of central leaders such as Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai should bear the primary and direct responsibility. Mao Zedong was the decision-maker, and Zhou Enlai was the main executor. The others, not just us (referring to Huang Yongsheng, Wu Faxian, Li Zuopeng, Qiu Huizuo), but also Jiang Qing, Kang Sheng, and Chen Boda, did not have the final say on these matters." (See Wu Faxian's Memoirs, Volume 2)

The CCP's Pretext for Overthrowing Jiang Qing is False

Some have humorously remarked, "The love between Mao Zedong and Jiang Qing produced two offspring: one was their daughter Li, and the other was the Cultural Revolution." Indeed, Jiang Qing, as a staunch defender of the Cultural Revolution (one of the two major endeavors of Mao’s life and central to both him and Jiang Qing), was deeply trusted by Mao. Jiang Qing could even be seen as a symbol or representation of the Cultural Revolution itself. Mao Zedong, right up until his death, never intended to overthrow Jiang Qing, not even remotely. Since the Cultural Revolution was one of the two monumental achievements of Mao's life, overthrowing Jiang Qing would essentially be akin to dismantling at least half of Mao Zedong's legacy. How could Mao ever foolishly allow that to happen?

However, in October 1976, the CCP under Hua Guofeng arrested Jiang Qing, using Mao Zedong’s name and legacy as justification, claiming they were "upholding Chairman Mao's will." This was a complete and utter lie, blatantly going against Mao’s true intentions.

Why Didn’t Mao Zedong Allow Jiang Qing to “Take Over”?

Mao once said, "The launch of the Cultural Revolution was not widely supported, and quite a few opposed it." This statement, reflecting a rare sense of self-awareness, was included in The Chronicle of Mao Zedong.

Just as Deng Xiaoping’s greatest fear after his death was a reversal of the verdict on the "June 4th" Tiananmen Square massacre, which is why he unprecedentedly designated Hu Jintao, who had blood on his hands from Tibet during the same period, as Jiang Zemin’s successor; and just as Jiang Zemin’s greatest fear after his death was a reversal of the verdict on the persecution of Falun Gong, which is why he planned and executed a coup against Xi Jinping, pushing Bo Xilai, a key figure in the persecution, to rise to power—Mao Zedong’s greatest fear after his death was a repudiation of the "Ten-Year Calamity" of the Cultural Revolution.

If Mao had followed the path of Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin, he should have passed the reins of power to Jiang Qing, as this would have been his strongest card in ensuring that the Cultural Revolution would not be discredited after his death. So, why didn’t he do so?

According to Wang Wenyao and Wang Baochun, secretaries of Chen Boda, Chen Boda once told them that during the early stages of the Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong mentioned that he did not believe Jiang Qing had the capability to be like Wu Zetian (China's only female emperor). At a gathering after the Cultural Revolution, I personally heard Jiang Qing’s head nurse, Ma Xiaoxian, recount that during an argument between Jiang Qing and her daughter Li Na (which happened frequently), Li Na once said, "You want to be like Wu Zetian, but you don’t have what it takes." I believe only her biological daughter Li Na would dare say something like this—perhaps even Mao Yuanxin wouldn’t have the courage to say it. However, it seems that Li Na’s remark might have conveyed her father Mao Zedong’s opinion, as it’s unlikely she would have thought of saying such a thing on her own. It was likely because of this—that Jiang Qing didn’t have the capability of being a Wu Zetian—that Mao Zedong ultimately didn’t pass the supreme power to Jiang Qing.

The CCP's Scapegoats for Mao Zedong

The claim that the Cultural Revolution was "exploited" by the two "counter-revolutionary groups" of Lin Biao and Jiang Qing is essentially an argument that all the negative aspects of the Cultural Revolution were carried out in the name of Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution by these two groups. The disasters of the Cultural Revolution are thus attributed to them, and they are labeled as the villains of the Cultural Revolution. Of course, the CCP must admit that Mao Zedong, who personally launched and led the Cultural Revolution, bears some responsibility, but they reduce it to being just the "mistake of a great proletarian revolutionary." In assigning blame for the Cultural Revolution, the CCP employed a strategy of sacrificing pawns to protect the king, using Lin Biao and Jiang Qing as scapegoats to shield Mao Zedong.

We know that the drafting of the Resolution was overseen by Deng Xiaoping and Hu Yaobang, with Hu Qiaomu responsible for the drafting team. Throughout the drafting process, from March 1980 to the CCP's Sixth Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee, Deng Xiaoping repeatedly provided input on the draft resolution, which became the "guiding principles" for its creation. These included three key points, the most emphasized and central being Deng's insistence on the need to "affirm Mao Zedong's historical position and uphold and develop Mao Zedong Thought."

Deng Xiaoping even said, "The banner of Mao Zedong Thought must not be discarded. If we discard this banner, we essentially deny the history of our Party." He added, "The part of the draft resolution that explains Mao Zedong Thought cannot be omitted. This is not just a theoretical issue, it is especially a political issue, both domestically and internationally. If this part is not written or written poorly, the entire resolution might as well not be made."

On August 21, 1980, renowned Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci directly asked Deng Xiaoping, "Will the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall be demolished soon?" Deng Xiaoping waved his hand and replied, "I don’t agree with changing it. Since it’s already built, changing it wouldn’t be appropriate. Building it might not have been right, but changing it would cause people to talk endlessly. Now the world is speculating that we’re going to demolish the Memorial Hall. We have no such plan."

Did you catch that? Even if the CCP itself believed the Memorial Hall shouldn't have been built, and even if the entire world thought it should be torn down, the CCP wouldn’t dare to do it. Because tearing down the Memorial Hall would be like tearing down the very foundation of the CCP.

Conclusion

If what is stated in the CCP's Resolution can be regarded as "official history," then Jiang Qing's statements in court would be considered "unofficial history." Yet, from the historical facts presented in this article, it is clear that the CCP's "official history" falls apart when compared to Jiang Qing's "unofficial history."

The truth goes far beyond this! The CCP’s self-compiled history textbooks are filled with countless lies and deceptions. For those who wish to fully understand the dark history of the CCP, I sincerely recommend The Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party, a landmark work by The Epoch Times, now marking its 20th anniversary. Once you have this book in your hands, you’ll find it a valuable read and wonder why you didn’t discover it sooner.

Editor: Jin Yue