In China's modern history, Chairman Mao made great contributions to the revolutionary cause, not only devoting all his time and energy to the country and the people, but also resolutely deciding to work hard for the country again when he was over eighty years old. It was the last war commanded by Chairman Mao, and at the age of 81, he endured physical discomfort and bought 48 years of peace for China.
Vietnam covets the Paracel Islands, seriously harming China's interests
As early as 111 BC, the Paracel Islands were already Chinese territory, and the whole world knew it. But Vietnam was on the defensive, and even in 1973, it blatantly included the Paracel Islands on their map. Not only that, but Vietnam has also arrogantly destroyed the stone and boundary monuments set up by the mainland on various islands.
At first, Chairman Mao believed that the reaction of the Central Committee to this matter should not be too fierce. On January 11, 1974, the central government issued a series of statements condemning Vietnam's shameless behavior and warning Vietnam that it was forbidden to harass Chinese fishing boats again. But Vietnam did not heed China's warnings, but instead intensified, openly driving a destroyer into the Paracel Islands.
Chairman Mao, 81, resolutely decided to command the battle
In the face of Vietnam's increasing excesses, China can no longer swallow its anger. However, Chairman Mao's physical condition at that time was very bad, and at the age of 81, he was facing various health problems, and the various organs of his body were also seriously aged. Especially after learning that Zhou Enlai's physical condition was not optimistic, Chairman Mao's heart became even heavier.
Nevertheless, Chairman Mao decided to direct the war. In 1974, Chairman Mao sent Ye Jianying to the front to understand the specific situation and then gave himself a detailed report. Ip said that Vietnam has always coveted the Paracel Islands, and they have not used substantive military action before, and since they have acted this time, China naturally cannot sit idly by.
Therefore, under the command of Chairman Mao, our army fought with the Vietnamese army. After two days of fierce fighting, our army successfully recovered the three islands occupied by Vietnam. After this war, Vietnam did not dare to think anything about the Paracel Islands for the next 48 years, let alone take any substantive action.
It was precisely because Chairman Mao thought of the impact of this war that he decided to personally command the battle, for fear of any mistakes. Fortunately, Chairman Mao was always able to keep a clear head, and even if his body was already so unwell, he was able to look far ahead and make the most correct decision.
A move to kill chickens and scare monkeys makes the United States dare not act rashly
When contradictions arise between China and Vietnam, the ostensible attitude of the United States is that it will never intervene. In fact, they secretly provided Vietnam with many weapons in an attempt to use Vietnam's power to crush China. Despite Vietnam's defeat, the United States expressed support for Vietnam in the media, even saying that they understood Vietnam's ideas.
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Martin declared that Vietnam's attack on the Paracel Islands was also a helpless move. Because the Paracel Islands are rich in oil resources, Vietnam is extremely scarce in this regard. As a public figure, Martin's ability to say this naturally proves that he has permission from the United States. Therefore, chairman Mao, through fighting against Vietnam, made a move to kill chickens and monkeys, so that the United States would no longer dare to act rashly.