Chapter 128 Pragmatic Mao prepares for peace talks

In June 1951, Kim Il Sung visited China. The two sides discuss the situation of the war and decide whether to fight or talk. Only the two countries are not enough, there must be a big brother. Therefore, Mao Zedong sent Gao Gang to accompany Kim Il Sung to the Soviet Union to report to Stalin to discuss peace talks. At this time, Mao Zedong had a clear understanding of the power of the United States and the situation of the war between the two sides, and his strategic thinking was adjusted again. That is, to change the strategic conception of fighting the 38th parallel, drive the Americans into the sea, and liberate the entire North Korea during the third, fourth, and fifth campaigns, and implement limited strategic goals.

He told Kim Il Sung that he could agree with the American idea—the 38th Parallel Armistice. In fact, this decision was made a week before Kim Il Sung came. According to Nie Rongzhen's recollection, at the meeting chaired by Mao Zedong, the central government studied the next battle situation. Most comrades advocated that our army should stop near the 38th parallel, fight while talking, and strive to negotiate to solve the problem. Finally, the meeting determined the policy of "talking while fighting". In mid-June, the central government determined the strategic policy of "full preparation for protracted warfare and striving for peace talks to end the war."

After receiving Mao Zedong's instructions, the great military strategist Peng Dehuai called back: "The policy of the central government is completely correct." Adhere to the 38th parallel as the boundary, both sides can get along. It can be seen that such an adjustment is an objective judgment made on the basis of an in-depth understanding of the forces of both sides during the war.