In 1965, when the Vietnam War was escalating, Time magazine in the United States made Chinese Foreign Minister Chen Yi the cover character, calling him "the enemy of Asia". What kind of legendary life did this once commanding marshal have? Why did he become the "enemy of Asia" in the eyes of the United States? What kind of diplomatic style does Chen Yi's tough performance on diplomatic occasions reflect in New China? Let us walk into the life course of this legendary diplomat.
1. Chen Yi's revolutionary career
When it comes to Marshal Chen Yi, many people's first impression of him is that he is a diplomat wearing sunglasses and sharp words. But before becoming foreign minister, Chen Yi walked a legendary and bumpy revolutionary road.
Chen Yi was born in 1901 in Lezhi County, Sichuan, in a poor peasant family. As a teenager, Chen Yi witnessed various scenes of warlord chaos and the bullying of China by imperialist powers, and his heart was full of dissatisfaction with the old society. In 1919, when the May Fourth Movement broke out, Chen Yi actively participated in this anti-imperialist and anti-feudal patriotic movement. In 1922, Chen Yi was admitted to the Baoding Army Military Academy and received systematic military training.
In 1927, Chiang Kai-shek launched the "April 12" counter-revolutionary coup d'état, bloodbathing the Communist Party. Chen Yi resolutely broke away from the Kuomintang, participated in the Nanchang Uprising, and became a staunch Communist. After that, Chen Yi successively participated in revolutionary struggles such as the Guangzhou Uprising and the Southern Hunan Uprising.
After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, Chen Yi led his troops to participate in a series of major battles such as the victory of Pingxingguan and the Battle of Taierzhuang, and made many miraculous achievements. In 1945, Chen Yi was awarded the rank of lieutenant general and became the deputy commander-in-chief of the Eighth Route Army. During the War of Liberation, Chen Yi successively led the East China Field Army and the Central Plains Field Army, and brilliantly completed important military tasks such as Liu Deng's army advancing into the Central Plains and liberating the southwest, and made great contributions to the founding of New China.
In 1955, Chen Yi was awarded the rank of marshal and became one of the top ten marshals of the founding of the People's Republic of China. However, for Chen Yi, this is not the end of life. In the days to come, he will contribute all his wisdom and strength to the diplomatic cause of New China.
Chen Yi's revolutionary career is a legend that can be sung and cried. From a poor peasant child, he has grown into a generation of famous generals, which embodies his infinite loyalty and firm belief in the revolutionary cause. It was in the flames of revolutionary struggle that Chen Yi forged an iron will and a character of courage to take responsibility, which laid a solid foundation for him to become an outstanding diplomat in New China in the future.
2. Chen Yi serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs
In 1958, Marshal Chen Yi, who had already achieved fame, ushered in another important turning point in his life. In this year, Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou decided to adjust the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chen Yi was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs. For a general who has been in the army for many years, diplomatic work is undoubtedly a completely new challenge. But Chen Yi, with his unique courage and wisdom, quickly adapted to this role.
Since the beginning of his tenure, Chen Yi has been faced with a complex international situation. At that time, China's relations with the Soviet Union were increasingly strained, and it was also in a state of confrontation with the United States and other Western countries. As a representative of the People's Republic of China, Chen Yi shoulders the heavy responsibility of defending national interests and safeguarding world peace. He knows very well that diplomatic work has a bearing on the future and destiny of the country, and there is no room for sloppiness.
In diplomatic settings, Chen Yi continued his fortitude as a soldier. His words are sharp, his stance is firm, and he does not budge an inch. In 1958, Chen Yi visited the Soviet Union, and at the welcome banquet of Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko, Chen Yi pointed out to his face: "In international affairs, no country can impose its will on others, and the Chinese people do not allow any country to do so." In the face of Soviet pressure, Chen Yi did not show weakness.
In 1960, Chen Yi visited India and held talks with Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. When it comes to the Sino-Indian border, Nehru took a hard line, claiming that China had "encroached" on Indian territory. Chen Yi immediately retorted: "China has never invaded the territory of other countries and will not in the future. The border between our two countries should be resolved through friendly consultations. Chen Yi's words were sonorous and forceful, indicating China's principled position on the territorial issue.
In handling Sino-US relations, Chen Yi has also shown superb diplomatic wisdom. In the 60s of the 20th century, Sino-US relations were in a state of tension. However, Chen Yi judged the situation and while adhering to his principles, he also left room for the improvement of Sino-US relations. In 1971, when the U.S. table tennis team visited China, Chen Yi personally met with the U.S. players and said, "The people of China and the United States should have contacts, and the relationship between the two countries should be improved." Chen Yi's statement is a key step for breaking the ice in Sino-US relations.
Thanks to Chen Yi's efforts, New China's diplomatic undertakings have made achievements that have attracted worldwide attention. China has established extensive diplomatic relations, restored its lawful seat in the United Nations, and significantly enhanced its international status. Chen Yi himself has won wide acclaim from the international community for his outstanding diplomatic skills.
However, the most talked-about thing in Chen Yi's diplomatic career is his bold remark that "even if you take off your pants, you must also use the mainland's cutting-edge weapons." This sentence fully reflects Chen Yi's dual characteristics as a soldier and a diplomat. He is well aware that in order for a country to win respect on the international stage, it needs not only superb diplomatic arts, but also strong national defense strength as a backing. It is precisely with this kind of wise judgment and strong sense of responsibility that Chen Yi has written a strong and colorful stroke for the diplomatic cause of New China.
3. Chen Yi responded to the U.S. tough stance on Vietnam
In the 60s of the 20th century, the Vietnam War became one of the most difficult issues in the international arena. The United States has escalated its military action against Vietnam in an attempt to stifle the revolutionary cause of the Vietnamese people by force. As Vietnam's socialist brother, China stands firmly on the side of the Vietnamese people and gives strong support to Vietnam. And Chen Yi has become the mainstay of this struggle.
In 1965, U.S. military operations reached their peak. The U.S. military used B52 bombers to carry out a large-scale bombing of northern Vietnam. What is even more serious is that US planes have repeatedly intruded into China's airspace and dropped bombs and launched missiles at Yunnan, Guangxi, and other places, seriously threatening China's national security. In the face of the barbaric acts of the United States, the Chinese Government and people are filled with righteous indignation.
Chen Yi, as foreign minister, stepped forward at this critical moment. He made it clear that the Chinese people resolutely support the just struggle of the Vietnamese people and resolutely oppose the aggressive acts of the United States. In April 1965, China signed a support agreement with Vietnam, and China provided Vietnam with substantial military and economic assistance. At the same time, China has also launched a vigorous campaign to resist US aggression and aid Vietnam at home, and people throughout the country have enthusiastically donated money and materials to support the Vietnamese people's struggle.
The United States is very disturbed by China's hardline attitude. Through various channels, they threaten to launch a military attack on China. Some media in the United States have even gone out of their way to exaggerate the so-called "China threat theory" and advocate being tough on China. In the face of the aggressiveness of the United States, Chen Yi appeared calm. In September 1965, at a press conference at home and abroad, he responded to the US threat with sonorous and forceful words.
Chen Yi took off his sunglasses, looked around at the Chinese and foreign reporters present with blazing eyes, and then said word by word: "We have been waiting for US imperialism to come in, and we have been waiting for 16 years! My hair is gray! Maybe I am not so 'lucky' to see US imperialism enter China, but my son will." They will fight resolutely!" Chen Yi's words were loud and clear, expressing the determination of the Chinese people to resist resolutely without fear of violence.
Then, Chen Yi said sarcastically: "Please don't think that I, Chen, am a militant and that US imperialism is extremely vicious and deceives people too much! There is an old saying in China: Good will be rewarded with good, and evil will be rewarded with evil. When the time comes, everything will be reimbursed!" Chen Yi's words expressed the firm stand of the Chinese people in resisting aggression and safeguarding peace, and won bursts of applause from everyone present.
With the firm support of Tran Ngai, the Vietnamese people won a great victory in their struggle against the United States. The United States was eventually forced to withdraw its troops from Vietnam, and Vietnam achieved the reunification of the country. This victory belongs not only to the Vietnamese people, but also to all countries and peoples that support Vietnam, including China. Chen Yi made an indelible contribution to this victory.
Chen Yi's hard-line stance on the Vietnam issue fully embodies the diplomatic policy of "opposing hegemonism and safeguarding world peace" of the People's Republic of China. With his eloquent words and firm actions, he demonstrated to the world the demeanor of socialist China as a great power that is not afraid of power and dares to struggle. In Chen Yi's diplomatic career, this is undoubtedly the most shining stroke.
Fourth, Chen Yi's secret of wearing sunglasses
During Chen Yi's tenure as foreign minister, he made a lot of great impressions. And the most talked-about of them is his iconic pair of sunglasses. In most people's impressions, Chen Yi always seems to appear in front of the public wearing a pair of sunglasses, which can't help but give rise to many speculations: why does Chen Yi wear sunglasses, and what is the story behind this?
As for the reason why Chen Yi wears sunglasses, there are two theories among the people. One theory is that Premier Zhou Enlai once advised Chen Yi to wear sunglasses. It is said that once Premier Zhou and Chen Yi visited together, Chen Yi closed his eyes in the car because of the fatigue of traveling. After Premier Zhou saw it, he suggested that Chen Yi wear a pair of sunglasses, so that even if he closed his eyes and rested, outsiders could not see it, and he could avoid being rude in diplomatic occasions. Chen Yi followed Premier Zhou's advice and developed the habit of wearing sunglasses.
Another theory is related to Chairman Mao. Some people say that Chairman Mao felt that Chen Yi, as a foreign minister from a military background, inevitably had some majesty and arrogance in his eyes. However, diplomatic work requires a combination of rigidity and softness, and if the eyes are too sharp, they may leave an impression of not being friendly enough in international arenas. Therefore, Chairman Mao suggested that Chen Yi wear sunglasses to restrain the edge and soften the image.
However, there has been no official confirmation of the veracity of these two claims. It wasn't until many years later that Chen Yi's son, Chen Xiaolu, revealed the mystery in an interview commemorating the 100th anniversary of Chen Yi's birth. It turned out that Chen Yi wore sunglasses mainly because of his bad eyes, and he wore sunglasses to protect his eyesight.
Chen Xiaolu recalled that when his father was young, because of the long-term revolutionary struggle, his eyes fell wrong. Especially during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Chen Yi fought in the field for a long time, often marching under the scorching sun to fight, and his eyes often felt sore and uncomfortable. In his later years, Chen Yi's eyesight deteriorated. In order to relieve the discomfort in his eyes, the doctor advised him to wear sunglasses and avoid direct sunlight.
Chen Yi followed the doctor's advice and began to wear sunglasses. But he didn't publicize it, but made sunglasses a habit of his very low-key. To outsiders, Chen Yi's wearing sunglasses is a unique style that is part of his diplomatic style. But only those close to you know that behind this is actually a great man's forbearance and persistence in the body.
Chen Xiaolu also revealed that Chen Yi's eyesight was already very poor in his later years, and it was difficult for even people to see clearly. However, he still insisted on participating in various foreign affairs activities and fulfilling his duties. Every time he returned from a trip, his eyes would be severely bloodshot and would require a long rest to relieve. But Chen Yi never said bitterness, and always faced the torture of illness with an optimistic and strong attitude.
The story of Chen Yi wearing sunglasses may not be so legendary. But through these sunglasses, we see a little-known side of a great statesman. In people's impression, Chen Yi is a resolute and eloquent diplomat. But behind that pair of sunglasses, he also has an ordinary side, he will get sick and feel tired. However, whether it was the rain of bullets in the revolutionary years or the changes in the diplomatic arena, Chen Yi always completed his mission with extraordinary perseverance. This is what he is most admirable.