Foreign Service Career in Extraordinary Times

Author: Zhou Boping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: In this book, the author comprehensively records his major diplomatic experiences during this extraordinary period. The author focuses on the official exchanges between China and four countries—Tanzania, Greece, Algeria, and Zaire—as well as his interactions with the ruling authorities in those countries. In September 1964, just after being promoted to Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, the author, Zhou Boping, was transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador, marking the beginning of his 18-year diplomatic career during the "extraordinary period." In the early days of the Cultural Revolution, he was assigned to lead the work at the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania under challenging circumstances. After 50 months of arduous efforts and overcoming interference from the Red Guards, he successfully completed the preliminary preparations for China's largest foreign aid project, the Tanzania-Zaire Railway, earning praise from Premier Zhou. He then served as ambassador to the ancient civilization of Greece, where he became embroiled in the "Athens Incident" after mistakenly entering the Israeli Embassy, which caused a sensation at the time. Fortunately, thanks to Chairman Mao's instructions, he was ultimately saved, allowing his diplomatic career to continue. The author also focuses on the official exchanges between China and the four countries—Tanzania, Greece, Algeria, and Zaire—as well as his interactions with the ruling authorities in those countries. Through close observation, he offers unique evaluations of the three presidents—Nyerere, Boumedienne, and Mobutu. The author also authentically records the hardships faced by Chinese diplomats abroad during the extraordinary period, as well as their selfless dedication and willingness to sacrifice for the honor of their country. The book is interspersed with scenes of the author visiting famous historical sites, admiring natural landscapes, introducing local customs and traditions, and recounting interesting anecdotes, making for a fascinating read.