Mao Zedong and Chen Yi

Author: Yuan Dejin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: Mao Zedong and Chen Yi shared many similarities. Both were intellectuals born into peasant families in the old China; they had a deep understanding and special fondness for traditional Chinese culture; they were versatile, skilled in both literature and martial arts, serving in both military and political roles; they were unwaveringly loyal to the communist cause; fearless in the face of difficulties and enemies; and deeply empathetic and devoted to the working people. They were outstanding talents of the Chinese nation and the Communist Party of China. However, Mao Zedong and Chen Yi also had significant differences in their experiences and personalities. Mao Zedong was a warrior but more importantly, the leader of the entire party and the supreme commander of the army. He was always at the core of upper-level decision-making, bearing the highest leadership responsibilities, and was a strategic thinker with the ability to create theories. Chen Yi was a leader of the masses but more importantly, a loyal warrior devoted to the party and the people. He was always an outstanding assistant and a commanding general, an exceptional practitioner. Some have compared the relationship between Mao Zedong and Chen Yi to that of a "sun" and a "satellite." Now, let us see how this "sun" of Mao Zedong influenced this "satellite" of Chen Yi, and how this "satellite" of Chen Yi, in its own orbit, revolved around the "sun" of Mao Zedong! This book portrays the noble political sentiments, unique personal charm, and distinct personality traits of these two great figures—Mao Zedong and Chen Yi. For me, it is still an attempt to explore their legacies.