In the midst of the arduous Long March, the Communist Party of China (CPC) faced significant challenges that threatened its very existence. From January 15 to 17, 1935, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee convened an extended meeting in Zunyi, a small town in Guizhou Province. This meeting marked a pivotal turning point in the history of the CPC.
During the Zunyi meeting, two critical issues were addressed: overcoming military setbacks and resolving internal organizational and leadership challenges. The discussions led to a thorough critique of the then-central military leadership's mistakes and a reaffirmation of Mao Zedong's military strategies.
As a result of the meeting, it was unanimously decided to empower Mao, Zhou Enlai, and Wang Jiaxiang to form a small group responsible for the Red Army's military operations. This decision not only established Mao's de facto leadership within the Party and the Red Army but also laid the foundation for the correct Marxist line tailored to China’s unique circumstances.
The Zunyi meeting was instrumental in shifting the CPC from a reactive stance to a proactive one, ultimately saving the Party, the Red Army, and the Chinese revolution during a critical moment. This strategic realignment allowed the CPC to embark on a path that effectively combined Marxist-Leninist principles with China's distinct realities, setting the stage for future successes.
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Why CPC leadership's 1935 meeting in Zunyi holds significance today
cgtn.com
