The Communist Party of China has been in power for 60 years this year, and this 60 years refers to the 60 years in which it has been in power across the country.But in fact, it is not more than 60 years, because before 1949, during the period of the New Democratic Revolution, the party had been in partial power in many areas.Even the regime established in the Central Soviet Area was called the Chinese Soviet Republic, at least in name, it was a national regime, although in fact it was impossible to truly govern the country at that time.Such a historical phenomenon is associated with the unique Chinese revolutionary road.The party insists on combining Marxism with China's reality, proceeds from China's national conditions, and explores a revolutionary road with Chinese characteristics.After untold hardships, this path has been blazed, and achievements and victories have been achieved.An important component, element or important part of this path is the establishment of a local red political power.The party not only needs to carry out armed struggle and establish its own people's armed forces, but also needs to have its own base areas.The process of establishing a base area is the process of establishing a red regime, and it is also the process of the party starting to rule.Although such partial regimes have been in power for a relatively short period of time, the experience they have accumulated is very valuable, laying an important foundation for the party to better govern in an all-round way after it takes control of the national power.The Shaanxi-Gansu border base area, like more than a dozen other revolutionary base areas across the country at that time, as well as the later anti-Japanese democratic base areas and the liberated areas during the War of Liberation, all made great efforts in this regard.Therefore, we must fully affirm the historical status and role of the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas, and conscientiously summarize the historical experience of our party in establishing a red regime and partially governing it.Around this main point, I would like to say the following meanings:

The first meaning is to fully affirm the status and role of the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas. Compared with other base areas across the country, the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Base Area has commonalities and many things in common, but at the same time it also has its own characteristics and characteristics, so it played a special role in the process of the Chinese revolution.This role cannot be fully seen from the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area itself, but should be put into the overall situation of the Chinese revolution at that time to see what kind of role it played in such an overall situation.From such a perspective, a very important feature of the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area that must be noted is that it played a great role in the overall situation of the Chinese revolution at that time, so it played an important role, which is mainly manifested in five aspects:

First, the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area, as the only remaining base area of ​​the year, played an important role in shifting the center of gravity of the Chinese revolution to the north and building a new strategic layout.Due to various reasons, the regional characteristics of the Chinese revolution are very obvious. Before the mid-1930s, the main center of gravity was in the south.Most of the revolutionary forces and base areas are concentrated in the south.Of course, under the leadership and organization of the party, the north has also developed a lot of power and gradually established some base areas.The Shaanxi-Gansu border base area is one of the few base areas established in the north.But its role is not limited to the north, but in the mid-1930s, when the party encountered major setbacks in the south, when we were faced with the major historical task of resisting Japan and saving the nation, when the party and the Red Army carried out a strategic shift. At that time, the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas played a very important and special role, which enabled the party, under the influence of objective and subjective factors, to shift its strategic focus to the north and enter the forefront of the Anti-Japanese War. strategic layout.

Second, the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area, as the foothold of the Party Central Committee and the Red Army's Long March, played an important role in recuperating, integrating forces, and achieving new development for the revolutionary ranks.This is what we often call the foothold problem.The objective reason for the Red Army's strategic shift was that it had made a "Left" error, lost its base, and was forced to carry out a strategic shift.But where will it be transferred, and where will it be settled?There is a process of research and decision-making, which is gradually determined along with the analysis of the strategic situation and the situation between the enemy and the enemy.The general goal is to go to the north so that it is convenient to go to the forefront of the Anti-Japanese War, undertake the historical mission of resisting the Japanese and saving the country, and also facilitate the preservation of strength.The Communist International also hoped that we would open up international channels to the north.Although the establishment of the Sichuan-Shaanxi base was also considered, but going to the north is a general direction.How exactly?Where are you going?It depends on many circumstances.Under the historical conditions at that time, the central government learned that the Shaanxi-Gansu base area in the north was better preserved and had a better foundation, so it naturally chose such a foothold.Objectively speaking, the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas, northern Shaanxi base areas, etc., did lay an important foundation at that time.Although there were twists and turns, dangers, and deficiencies, generally speaking, under the strategic situation at that time, it was very valuable to have such a base.Therefore, the Red Army from all walks of life, especially the Central Red Army, arrived here, where they recuperated, integrated forces, and formed teams, which played an important role in the new development.In a way, having found such a foothold, our revolutionary forces have bottomed out.Due to the failure of the anti-"encirclement and suppression" campaign, the revolution turned from prosperity to decline; but with this foothold, it further started the process from decline to prosperity marked by the Zunyi Conference.

Thirdly, the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area, as the starting point for the Eighth Route Army to advance against Japan, played an important role in promoting the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party and implementing the strategic development of the anti-Japanese armed forces.This is the question of the starting point.Reaching northern Shaanxi is not the ultimate goal of the party and the revolutionary team.When we arrived in northern Shaanxi and in Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia, we consolidated our forces for the purpose of further undertaking the mission of resisting Japan and saving the nation, and further expanding our forces, including our base areas.Therefore, starting from such a foothold, go further east and south, and implement strategic deployment to other places.In this regard, the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Base provided a good base.After the Eighth Route Army at that time was reorganized, they went to the anti-Japanese front line one after another and established more new base areas.There is also an issue of cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party that needs to be mentioned here.Facing the urgent situation of national peril, all Chinese sons and daughters should unite and carry out a resolute war of resistance.In such an environment, how to realize the second cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party has become a very important link or task.At that time, the armies of the Kuomintang and the Communist Party first communicated in the Shaanxi-Gansu border area and the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia area, and began a certain degree of cooperation, which led to the occurrence and peaceful resolution of the Xi'an Incident.Therefore, the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas also played a certain role in promoting the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party to resist Japan.

Fourth, the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area, as an important rear support base, played an important role in developing the economy of the border area, supporting the anti-Japanese front line, and overcoming the difficult period of the base area.When we study history, we tend to focus more on the changes in political struggles and the development of military struggles, but sometimes we ignore the economy, the construction of the rear and its status and role.However, if we have a comprehensive understanding of the role of a base in a region, we must notice that the entire Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia region, including the border areas of Shaanxi-Gansu and northern Shaanxi, provided strong rear support for our revolutionary and anti-Japanese forces. including financial support.Carry out large-scale production campaigns in the base areas and vigorously develop the economy.People in the border areas supported the front line in various ways, especially saving their own food to ensure the supply of the army.At that time, the Shaanxi-Gansu border area, including the Qingyang area, had its own difficulties, but the broad masses of the people still played an important role in the development of the entire Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia area and the logistical support for our anti-Japanese troops.This point needs attention.

Fifth, the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region, formed on the basis of the Shaanxi-Gansu Border and the Northern Shaanxi Base, played an important role in winning the victory of the Chinese revolution as the seat of the Party Central Committee for 13 years.On the basis of the Shaanxi-Gansu border area and the northern Shaanxi base area, the entire Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia border area was further formed.The seat of the Party Central Committee is Yan'an, but the entire strategic support point is the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region. The Party Central Committee has persisted in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region for a total of 13 years.In these 13 years, cultivate cadres, organize the masses, improve quality, and accumulate strength.On this land, with an overview of the whole country, facing the world, strategizing, guiding the entire process of the Chinese revolution, overcoming difficulties, turning from weak to strong, and finally leading to overall victory.In this sense, the role of Yan'an is historic, and by extension, the role of the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region is also historic, which of course also includes the role of the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Region.

The second meaning is that the construction of the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas provided valuable experience in carrying out revolutionary struggles and governing in some areas. These experiences are rich and distinctive.It can be summarized from different angles.In my opinion, there are a few things that need special attention: First, insist on proceeding from reality, adopt the most appropriate form of struggle and strategic tactics, and oppose dogmatism that is divorced from reality.Our party emphasizes integrating Marxism with the reality of the Chinese revolution and walking its own path.This road also has different characteristics in different regions.Compared with some base areas in the south, there are some differences between the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas.For example, the environmental conditions are relatively difficult.At that time, the party's revolutionary center of gravity and strategic center of gravity were in the south, so most of the leading cadres were sent to the south.However, comrades such as Liu Zhidan, Xie Zichang, Xi Zhongxun, and Ma Wenrui in the north were able to firmly shoulder the heavy responsibility of history, pay attention to starting from the northern region and the local reality, and adopt the most appropriate form to carry out the revolutionary struggle.In general, we should learn from Mao Zedong and follow the road of Jinggangshan, but there are many different forms in specific.For example, many mutinies were organized and carried out; there were also some important characteristics in the layout of the base areas; in particular, we paid great attention to the work of the united front. At that time, there were many problems in the south in this regard.The Shaanxi-Gansu border area persisted in proceeding from its own reality and opposed dogmatism that was divorced from reality, so it was able to make great progress in the face of failure in the south.This is commendable.

Second, insist on focusing on the overall situation, strengthen unity and cooperation, and properly handle different opinions and even differences within the party.In this regard, there are experiences and lessons.There was a time (period) when "Left" dogmatism and errors within the party dominated the party.This mistake also affected the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas, and even caused serious consequences.Naturally, there will be some contradictions and disagreements within the party. The "left" erroneous executors deal with these disagreements in the wrong way, causing serious harm and huge losses. This is very distressing.But on the other hand, we can also see that the leaders of the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas, on the whole, were able to focus on the overall situation of the revolution.In particular, Comrades Liu Zhidan and Xi Zhongxun never wavered in their revolutionary will when they were wronged and hurt. Moreover, they were able to put the overall situation first, and even endure humiliation to a certain extent, maintain the unity of the party and the revolutionary team, and persist in the revolutionary struggle.Regarding the construction and development of base areas, there may of course be different opinions on some specific policies and measures.Because it is not bookish, not copying books, but exploration, there will be different opinions and different understandings.But they can both focus on the bigger picture.The experience of the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Base Area in this area is quite outstanding and worthy of our study.

Third, adhere to the magic weapon of the united front, strive to win the hearts of the people, and unite as much as possible with all forces that can be united.The establishment and development of the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area is to some extent linked to the united front, which is very valuable.To unite all forces that can be united as much as possible was neglected to some extent in many base areas in the south at that time due to the influence of "left" errors.Brutal struggle and ruthless blows within the party.The united front work has not been carried out well in dealing with different social classes, and even some upper-class people.Therefore, when Mao Zedong later summed up historical experience, he emphasized the need to make good use of the magic weapon of the united front.This is a valuable experience.In this regard, the Shaanxi-Gansu border has its own characteristics and experiences, which have played an important role in the development of the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas.

Fourth, adhere to the revolution for the people, governance for the people, and always maintain a close relationship between the party and the people.Governing for the people is our current language.The purpose and principles of the red political power in the base area at that time actually reflected the principle of governing for the people.In addition to governing for the people, there is revolution for the people.Who is the Communist Party making revolution for?For the people.Therefore, cadres at all levels in the Shaanxi-Gansu border have always maintained a good style of work and maintained the flesh-and-blood relationship between the party and the people.His American friend Rittenberg once stayed in China for many years, and he met Comrade Xi Zhongxun.He recalled that when he was on the Shaanxi-Gansu border, he was with Xi Zhongxun, and the common people would call "Zhongxun" affectionately wherever they went, and they were very close.Xi Zhongxun is also very familiar with the situation in these ordinary people's homes.This left a very deep impression on him, indicating that the cadres of the Chinese Communist Party maintain close ties with the common people.Where is our strength?Of course it is in the mass base.This purpose, spirit, and style of governing for the people and revolution for the people are very precious.Under the new historical conditions, if our party wants to remain invincible, it must always represent the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people, persist in governing for the people, build the party for the public, and do practical, good and difficult things for the people. .Such a spirit is very much in need of our persistence, research and promotion. The third meaning is to study the historical status and valuable experience of the Shaanxi-Gansu frontier base areas, and we may also need to pay attention to solving some problems of thinking methods. How to study the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas with a scientific attitude?In general, be realistic.Specifically, the history of the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Base Area, the Northwest Base Area, and later the Northwest Bureau is relatively complicated.At that time, there were different views and differences on some issues, and later generations also had different views when they studied.This situation, to some extent, affected or even hindered the research on the Shaanxi-Gansu border and Northwest base areas.Regarding these issues, I think there are a few points to pay attention to: First, we must see that these different opinions are generally problems within the revolutionary ranks, they are differences within the revolutionary ranks, and they are different views in the general exploration process.There is no ready-made path for China's revolution and construction, and everything we do is exploration.Since it is an exploration, who can guarantee that everyone's ideas and choices are 100% correct?Who can guarantee that everyone's views are 100% consistent?is it possible?It is natural to have different opinions.Don't take it too mysteriously, don't take it too seriously.Generally speaking, it is just some different views during the exploration process.In response to these different views, it is of course wrong to use extreme methods to solve this problem like the "Left" error did back then.It is also inappropriate to put internal differences above the overall situation.In general, to safeguard and obey the overall situation, everyone must focus on politics and persist in unity and cooperation.It is necessary to look at problems from such a starting point and perspective. Second, the study of the history at that time, no matter when it comes to things or people, must focus on affirming historical achievements, earnestly sum up experience and lessons, and insist on seeking common ground while reserving minor differences.Things in history may indeed be more complicated.You have to make it clear, and you must tell who is wrong and who is right. Sometimes it is very difficult.Therefore, our focus is not to get entangled in a certain issue or point of view that differs, but to affirm historical achievements as a whole, summarize experience and lessons in general, seek common ground while reserving minor differences, and work together to conduct in-depth research. This period of history carries forward the revolutionary tradition and spirit of that year. Third, when we study history, we are not judges, and it is impossible to make a judgment on all historical issues.Many regions have some complicated historical issues, so they all have different views.How to write this book, this chapter, this section, and this matter?They all come to me, hoping that I will give an answer and an explanation, so that they can write easily.If you can figure it out, of course you should try your best to figure it out.But I often say that writing history is not being a judge, and it is impossible to make a judgment on all historical issues.In some matters, who is right and who is wrong, even the parties themselves are not clear.Later generations may be able to figure it out, because there is no stake.But it may also be even more unclear, because you don't understand the historical truth.So, we might have to change the way we've been writing history books for years.Don't regard ourselves as judges, and write history books as writing judgments, expecting to explain everything clearly, to distinguish right from wrong, and to draw permanent, political, and absolute conclusions.It's almost impossible.To deal with such problems, we need to change the traditional thinking mode.In foreign schools, teachers often provide materials for students to study on their own, and then draw their own conclusions. Teachers do not necessarily draw conclusions for you, and there are no standard answers for many things.And we are often used to finding a standard answer, and we can't do without a standard answer.But in fact, it is difficult to have an absolute standard answer for many explorations, whether it is the exploration of natural science or the exploration of human society.Therefore, when we write history, sometimes we might as well present the specific facts and put them there, and even present different views and viewpoints, but it is not necessary to draw conclusions for him.If you have different views on this period of history, write both views, introduce what you think about one view, and what you think about the other view, put them there, and let future generations continue to study, so that history can be written easily up.In this regard, we can broaden our thinking, liberate our minds, and be more flexible in our approach to dealing with problems. Fourth, the historical fate of different characters should be viewed historically.The histories of so many base areas, so many people of those years, together with the subsequent development and changes, are indeed rich and varied.Not long ago, a seminar was held to commemorate Yuan Zhenying at the memorial hall of a major congress in Shanghai.Speaking of Yuan Zhenying, not to mention the cadres and the masses, even more than 95% of party history experts do not necessarily know who Yuan Zhenying is.He is a special figure, an important member of the early party organization in Shanghai, participated in the creation of the party, and played an important role in the communication between Chen Duxiu and the representatives of the Communist International.But after the founding of the party, he went abroad to study again and left the party.He has made many special contributions in history, but he was also imprisoned during the "Cultural Revolution".He was arrested by the Kuomintang government, but he was also a guest of Chiang Kai-shek.What do you think of such a character?At that time, I explained a truth: the history of our party is a colorful scroll.In this magnificent picture scroll, there are both big events and small events; there are big people and small people, or people who are big and small, neither big nor small; there are positive characters and negative characters, or it is difficult to define. Positive or negative characters; there are characters throughout, and there are also characters who participated in it and played a role at a certain period of time.Our history, of course, must adhere to the main theme and main tone, but we can't simply write only those big and positive people, and not write about negative and small people. Writing history like that is definitely incomplete.Therefore, it is necessary to objectively study the figures who have made contributions in history, or the figures who have undergone various changes later.The affirmation that should be affirmed, the negation that should be negated, don't simply treat him with a uniform, either-or, black or white pattern.The historical fate of different characters must be viewed historically.We must respect history and objectively reflect history, instead of obliterating history and changing history at will.Affirm what should be affirmed, deny what should be denied, and don't make characters into faces. The fourth meaning is to continue to promote and deepen the research on the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas. This seminar is very meaningful.First, it is beneficial to promote the research on the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area itself; second, it is beneficial to promote the research on the process of the Sinicization of Marxism; It is conducive to making full use of red resources and promoting the sound and rapid economic and social development of the old areas. This meeting achieved great results, but the research on the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area was not over yet.In the future, we can continue to hold similar conferences to push the research on the Shaanxi-Gansu border base areas further.First, I hope that relevant party history research offices across the country and interested party history workers will continue to pay attention to this topic.The relevant Party History Research Office can do some proper organizational work.Party history departments in Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, and some other regions in the Northwest, as well as related regions outside the Northwest, can properly put such topics on their work schedules and pay attention to strengthening research in this area.Second, we must pay attention to the rescue and collection of relevant historical materials.In the past, due to various objective and subjective reasons, the preservation of many historical materials at that time may not be very good, and more may be lost. In addition, the old comrades of the year have passed away one after another, and many historical situations may never be clear. It's a pity.But in any case, since we are promoting this work, we must pay attention to the issue of data.We should try our best to collect and excavate any information that may be found, and preserve it properly.Including those kept in the homes of leading cadres, relatives of old comrades, dictation by the parties, and memories later recalled by the parties, all must be carefully collected.Revolutionary sites should also be properly protected.Third, it is necessary to further deepen the research and improve the research level.The study of historical experience, the study of historical figures, and the study of governance issues can all be further expanded and deepened.Not only the research on the Shaanxi-Gansu border base area can continue, but also the research on the entire northwest base area, the research on the Northwest Bureau, including the research on the Northwest Bureau after the founding of New China, can be properly carried out.These histories are relatively complicated, but complexity does not mean that they should not be preserved or studied.Complex histories also need to be recorded objectively, at least.With the development of reform and opening up to today, our party's level of understanding and ability to govern have been greatly improved, it can be considered to carry out appropriate research in this area. With regard to the issue of the Central Bureau, at relevant meetings, I have asked the party history research offices in all provinces across the country to pay attention to strengthening their research on the Central Bureau.The study of the Central Bureau is still a weak link in the study of party history.Each central bureau once played a major role in organizing and leading the revolution and construction in various regions.However, our Party history works rarely mention the Central Bureau.Each province pays more attention to the history of the party organization in the province, but it has not officially started to study how to conduct inter-provincial central bureaus.So I have put forward the requirements in this regard, made preliminary arrangements, and of course need to further implement them.The Northwest Bureau is also an important bureau, and party historians should also pay due attention to it.Of course, when conducting research on these issues, we must adhere to the correct direction politically, grasp the scales and scales, pay attention to maintaining the overall situation, and obey the overall situation. (This article is a summary of the speech delivered by Li Zhongjie, deputy director of the Party History Research Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, on September 20, 2009 at the "Shaanxi-Gansu Frontier Base Areas and the Chinese Revolution" academic seminar)