Power Struggles, Factional Strife, and More: Liu Shaoqi’s Path to the "Cultural Revolution" (Volume 1)

To unite ninety-five percent of the masses and ninety-five percent of the cadres is the ultimate goal of the movement and struggle. To achieve this goal, one cannot bypass criticism and struggle. For those who violate the interests of the people and the party's principles and policies, who seek only illegal benefits for a few, persist in their ways, and attempt to commit sabotage, a resolute struggle must continue. Otherwise, it is impossible to unite ninety-five percent of the masses and cadres. After appropriate struggle, the masses will be satisfied first, and the vast majority of cadres who made mistakes will likely correct them. If they cannot correct their mistakes for the time being, as long as they do not engage in sabotage, it is acceptable. They are still objects of unity." — Letter from Liu Shaoqi to Wang Guangmei (March 27, 1964, excerpt)

This book is divided into two volumes. The first volume is a compilation of historical materials on Liu Shaoqi on the eve of the Cultural Revolution from 1964 to 1965, specifically focusing on materials related to the "Four Cleanups Movement" after the Great Leap Forward. At this time, Liu Shaoqi, who had been elected President of the People's Republic of China for a second term, still held significant influence within the party and had not yet broken with Mao Zedong. Through the first-hand historical materials compiled and organized in this book—including Liu Shaoqi's instructions to various units, his speeches at major assemblies, and his correspondence with his wife, Wang Guangmei—readers will gain a deeper understanding of Liu Shaoqi's thoughts on domestic party politics, government affairs, and economic development on the eve of the Cultural Revolution.