In 1986, a significant visit took place on the Korean Peninsula. Chinese Defense Minister Qin Jiwei set foot on this land that had fought bloodily and looked back at the thrilling Battle of Shangganling 34 years ago. In that year, as the commander of the 15th Army of the Volunteer Army, he led his troops to fight the US army here for 43 days. Now that he has revisited his hometown, Qin Jiwei's heart is agitated, and the past is pouring in like a tide.
Kim Il Sung warmly received the old comrade-in-arms and asked cordially at the state banquet: "What place do you want to go most when the general enters the DPRK this time?" Qin Jiwei pondered for a moment, and replied with a firm gaze: "I want to go to Wusheng Mountain and see the Shangganling battlefield again." This simple sentence expresses how many vicissitudes and emotions. What kind of mark did the tragic battle leave on Qin Jiwei? How will he feel when he returns to the battlefield? What impact will this visit have on China-DPRK relations?
In October 1986, Qin Jiwei led a Chinese military delegation to visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The visit was not accidental, but carefully arranged in a specific historical context.
Looking back at the development of Sino-DPRK relations, the two countries have forged a profound friendship since the Korean War. In October 1950, the Chinese People's Volunteers crossed the Yalu River and fought side by side with the Korean People's Army to resist the "United Nations Army" led by the United States. The war lasted for three years, and both sides paid great sacrifices and forged the bloody friendship between the two peoples. After the war, China and the DPRK maintained close cooperation in the political, economic, and military fields.
However, by the 80s of the 20th century, the international situation had changed dramatically. The Cold War pattern began to loosen, and China implemented a policy of reform and opening up and gradually improved relations with Western countries. At the same time, there were signs of détente in relations between China and the Soviet Union. These changes inevitably affect China-North Korea relations. North Korea is cautious about China's policy adjustments, fearing that China will alienate North Korea.
Against this backdrop, Qin Jiwei's visit is of great diplomatic significance. As China's defense minister, the primary purpose of Qin Jiwei's visit is to reaffirm the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK and dispel the doubts of the DPRK. At the same time, the visit is also an important assessment of the situation on the Korean peninsula. At the time, inter-Korean relations remained tense, and the U.S. military presence in South Korea remained a top security concern for North Korea. As an ally of the DPRK, China needs to have a deep understanding of the DPRK's position and aspirations in order to better coordinate its policy toward the DPRK in the international arena.
Qin Jiwei's personal experience also added special significance to the visit. As a witness and commander of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, he shared the memory of the war with the North Korean leaders. Especially in the Battle of Shangganling, Qin Jiwei commanded the 15th Army to fight bravely and won a major victory. This experience has given him a unique advantage when communicating with the North Korean side, and he is better able to bring the two sides closer.
During the visit, Qin Jiwei held several talks with DPRK leader Kim Il Sung. They reviewed the history of the armed forces of the two countries fighting side by side in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and discussed the current international situation and regional security issues. Qin Jiwei briefed the DPRK side on China's policy of reform and opening up, stressing that China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and will continue to support the DPRK's legitimate stand in international affairs.
In addition to the political talks, Qin Jiwei also visited North Korean military facilities and troops. These events not only demonstrate the military strength of the DPRK, but also provide opportunities for military exchanges between the two countries. Qin Jiwei expressed appreciation for the achievements of the DPRK army in building and also introduced the experience of the Chinese army in modernization.
An important part of this visit was Qin Jiwei's return to the Shangganling battlefield. When he stood on this once bloody land, the past came to his heart. Thirty-four years ago, he led the officers and men of the Volunteer Army to fight the US army here. Today, the smoke has cleared and the battlefield has been transformed into a memorial for peace, but those arduous years are forever etched in his memory.
Qin Jiwei's visit is not only a reaffirmation of the friendship between China and the DPRK, but also a remembrance of history and a prospect for the future. It sends a clear message to the world: Despite the changing international situation, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK will continue to be maintained. The visit injected new vitality into the relations between the two countries and laid the foundation for future cooperation.
On October 15, 1986, a North Korean military helicopter slowly landed in an open field near Mt. Goseongsan. 72-year-old Qin Jiwei wore a crisp military uniform and stepped off the plane in good spirits. His gaze swept over the surrounding mountains, as if he had traveled back in time and space, back to the battlefield filled with gunpowder 34 years ago.
Kim Il Sung accompanied Qin Ki-wei here, and the two old comrades-in-arms walked side by side and slowly climbed the Five Holy Mountains. Along the way, Kim Il Sung briefed Chin on North Korea's post-war protection and construction of the area. They passed by a monument with an oath of friendship inscribed on it by the peoples of China and North Korea. Qin Jiwei stopped to watch, his expression solemn.
Climbing to the top of the mountain, Qin Jiwei looked around. What was once a battlefield is now a peaceful and peaceful scene, with green grass and lush trees. However, if you look closely, you can still find those indelible crater marks on the mountain, which silently tell the tragedy of the battle.
Pointing to a hill in the distance, Qin Jiwei said to Kim Il Sung: "That is the 597.9 height, where the main position of our 15th Army was located. Kim Il Sung nodded yes, and he also remembered this period of history vividly. The two continued to walk forward and came to the site of the command post of the 45th Division of the Volunteer Army.
Here, Qin Jiwei told his entourage about the situation of the battle that year. On October 14, 1952, the U.S. military launched an offensive codenamed "Showdown" in an attempt to seize the Shangganling position. The 15th Army of the Volunteer Army was ordered to hold its position and engaged in fierce fighting with the American army for 43 days.
Qin Jiwei recalled: "At that time, the U.S. army invested three divisions of troops and used a large number of aircraft, artillery and tanks. They bombarded our positions like crazy, sometimes raining tens of thousands of shells on us in a day. Pointing to the surrounding mountains, he said, "You see, these craters are the ones left behind." "
The young guard who accompanied him asked in surprise: "Chief, how did you hold out at that time?" "
Qin Jiwei showed a hint of a smile: "It depends on tenacious will and belief in victory." Our fighters dug tunnels and communication ditches in the positions, hid underground during the day, and came out at night to counterattack. Sometimes, enemy shells blew up all the positions, and we continued to fight in the craters. "
Kim Il Sung interjected: "I remember that the slogan of your 15th Army at that time was 'It is better to die in battle than to be a slave to the country,' which is really admirable. "
Qin Jiwei nodded and continued: "Yes, our warriors are determined to die. At one point, the American troops occupied one of our positions, and we immediately organized a counterattack. A soldier named Huang Jiguang, in order to suppress the enemy's firepower point, blocked the enemy's machine gun hole with his body. It was this spirit of heroism that allowed us to hold our ground in the end. "
The two veteran generals walked along the trenches of the year, stopping from time to time to point out and explain. Qin Jiwei gave Kim Il Sung a detailed account of the deployment and tactics of the Chinese People's Volunteers in those years. "We have adopted the tactic of 'stealth during the day and activity at night,'" he said. Every night, we organize small-scale assaults to disrupt the enemy's disposition and deplete their vital forces. "
Kim Il Sung exclaimed: "This tactic is really effective. I remember that the U.S. military used to complain that the Chinese army was like a ghost, it couldn't find anyone during the day, and it was everywhere at night. "
The two came to a commanding height, which overlooked the entire Shangganling area. Qin Jiwei pointed to the distance and said, "Look, that is the main direction of the US military's attack." They organized several large-scale attacks, but each time they were repulsed by us. "
Later, Jin Ki-wei and Kim Il-sung went to a newly built memorial hall. The museum displays weapons and equipment used in the battle, the relics of the soldiers, and a large number of historical photos and documents. Qin Jiwei stopped in front of a battlefield map and explained to Kim Il Sung in detail the changes in the war situation that year.
After the visit, Khin Ki-wei said to Kim Il Sung: "Returning to this battlefield makes me feel a lot of emotion. The peace we have bought with our blood and lives is not easy to come by, and we must cherish it doubly. Kim Il Sung nodded in agreement.
Later, the two went to a nearby village to talk to local residents. The villagers warmly welcomed the two veteran generals and told how they passed on the idea of peace and taught the next generation to remember history.
In the evening of the same day, Kim Il Cheng Qin Jiwei held a grand welcome banquet. At the banquet, the two old comrades-in-arms toasted and talked, looking back on the past and looking forward to the future. Qin Jiwei said that this return to the Shangganling battlefield is not only a memory of history, but also a cherishment of peace. He stressed that the friendship forged by the blood of the Chinese and DPRK peoples will be passed on forever.
On October 16, 1986, Chin Ki-wai held a three-hour meeting with Kim Il Sung at the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. One of the main topics of the talks was the review and reflection of the Shangganling Campaign.
At the beginning of the talks, Kim Il Sung first expressed his deep respect to Qin Ki-wei: "General Qin, your heroic performance and outstanding leadership in the Battle of Shangganling are still remembered by our Korean people. Qin Jiwei humbly responded: "This victory is the result of the joint efforts of the military and civilians of China and North Korea, and I just did my part." "
Subsequently, the two old comrades-in-arms began to review this important battle that changed the course of the Korean War. Qin Jiwei described the battlefield situation at that time in detail: "In October 1952, the U.S. military launched an offensive codenamed 'Showdown'. They invested a large number of troops and advanced equipment in an attempt to break through our army's defense line in one fell swoop. At that time, our 15th Army was faced with an extremely serious situation. "
Kim Il Sung added: "I remember that the U.S. military committed three divisions of troops, as well as a lot of air support and artillery support. Their firepower superiority is truly daunting. "
Qin Jiwei nodded yes and continued: "That's right, the enemy's firepower is indeed strong. Sometimes in a single day, they poured tens of thousands of shells on our positions. However, our fighters showed amazing courage and tenacity. We adopted the tactic of 'concealment during the day and activity at night', taking advantage of the terrain and resisting stubbornly. "
Kim Il Sung agreed: "This tactic really works. I remember that the US military once complained that the Chinese army was as elusive as a ghost. "
Qin Jiwei went on to talk about the key moments in the campaign: "The hardest time was late October. The U.S. military launched several large-scale attacks in a row, and our positions were almost razed to the ground. However, our fighters continued to fight in the craters, not giving up an inch of land. "
Kim Il Sung interjected: "I heard of a soldier named Hwang Jiguang who blocked the enemy's machine gun hole with his own body, right? "
Qin Jiwei nodded with a serious expression: "Yes, the heroic sacrifice of martyr Huang Jiguang is one of the most touching deeds in this battle. However, there are many more heroes like him. Every warrior was determined to die and would do whatever it took to hold their positions. "
The two then discussed the strategic significance of the battle. Kim Il Sung pointed out: "The victory in the Battle of Shangganling not only thwarted the US army's plan to 'strangle', but also greatly enhanced our position at the negotiating table. "
Qin Jiwei agreed: "That's true. After this battle, the US military had to realize that they could not achieve a decisive victory by military means. This created favorable conditions for subsequent armistice negotiations. "
The two then began to reflect on the lessons of the battle. Qin Jiwei said: "Although we have won, the price we have paid is also huge. Our 15th Army alone suffered nearly 10,000 casualties. This reminds us that peace does not come easily, and we must cherish it. "
Kim Il Sung agreed: "Yes, the cruelty of war is something we can never forget. At the same time, this battle also teaches us that unity is strength. Only when the peoples of China and the DPRK fight side by side can they withstand the attack of a strong enemy. "
"Another important lesson is that even when we are inferior in equipment and technology, as long as we have a strong will and the right tactics, we can defeat a strong enemy," Qin added. This has important implications for our future army building. "
The two also discussed how to pass on this history. Kim Il Sung said, "We have built a memorial hall in the Shangganling area, and every year a large number of young people come to visit and study. This is of great significance for inheriting history and promoting the spirit of patriotism. "
Qin agreed: "We have a similar approach in China. I believe that our two countries can strengthen cooperation in this regard, jointly pass on this history, and teach the next generation to cherish peace and love the motherland. "
At the end of the talks, Kim Il Sung presented Qin Jiwei with an oil painting depicting the battle of Shangganling. Qin Jiwei was deeply moved and said that this painting is not only a commemoration of history, but also a testimony to the friendship between China and North Korea.
This in-depth review and reflection not only deepened the understanding of the leaders of the two countries on this period of history, but also pointed out the direction for the future development of China-DPRK relations. As a common historical memory of China and the DPRK, the Battle of Shangganling will continue to play a role in uniting the peoples of the two countries and promoting the development of bilateral relations.
On October 17, 1986, accompanied by Kim Il Sung, Khin Ki-wei went to a small village on the outskirts of Pyongyang called the "China-DPRK Friendship Village". The village was established to commemorate the Chinese volunteers who died in the Korean War, and most of the residents of the village are North Koreans and their descendants who helped the volunteers during the war.
As soon as Qin Jiwei and his entourage arrived at the entrance of the village, they were warmly welcomed by the villagers. The village head, Kim Sung-chol, an elderly man in his sixties, led the villagers in a procession to greet him. Jin Chengzhe excitedly introduced to Qin Jiwei: "General Qin, my father once transported supplies for the Volunteer Army in the Battle of Shangganling. He often talked about the heroic deeds of you and the volunteer soldiers, and we all regarded you as our own family. "
Qin Jiwei shook Kim Sung-chol's hand and said movingly: "Your father is a hero, and without the support of North Korean comrades like him, we would not have been able to achieve victory." "
Subsequently, accompanied by Kim Il Sung, Khin Ki-wei visited the "Sino-DPRK Friendship Memorial Hall" in the village. The museum displays a large number of precious historical photos and cultural relics, including information related to the Battle of Shangganling. Mr. Qin paused in front of a photograph of a group of North Korean women sewing clothes for volunteer soldiers.
Kim Il Sung explained: "These North Korean women are called the 'mothers of volunteers'. They worked tirelessly, washing and cooking for the volunteer soldiers, sewing and mending clothes, and caring for the wounded. Their dedication was also an important factor in the victory of this war. "
Qin Jiwei nodded in agreement: "Yes, without the support of the North Korean people, our volunteer army is like duckweed without roots." It was with the help of our Korean comrades that we were able to persist in fighting in a foreign land. "
After the visit, Qin Jiwei went to the village square, where hundreds of villagers gathered. Qin Jiwei stood on a makeshift podium and told the villagers about the Shangganling Battle. In particular, he emphasized the contribution of the Korean people to the war: "In the most difficult times, it was you who gave us warmth and strength. You risk your lives to bring us food and ammunition, your women do our laundry and cook for us, and your children act as guides for us. We will never forget this friendship. "
The villagers in the audience burst into tears when they heard this, and many elderly people stood up and applauded excitedly. An old woman named Park Young-sook raised her hand to speak: "General Qin, I still remember the scene when you led the volunteer soldiers to fight bravely against the enemy. I was only 15 years old, but I still remember that scene. You have made tremendous sacrifices to defend our country, and we, the Korean people, are eternally grateful to you. "
Qin Jiwei stepped down from the podium and shook Park Yingshu's hand affectionately: "Old man, you are the real hero." Without your support, we would not have been able to achieve victory. "
Subsequently, Qin Jiwei went to a primary school in the village. The children lined up in a neat line and saluted Qin Jiwei. Qin Jiwei walked into the classroom and saw a schematic diagram of the Battle of Shangganling drawn on the blackboard. A little boy named Li Zhe stood up and said in fluent Chinese: "Hello Grandpa Qin, we learned the history of the Battle of Shangganling in class. Can you tell us a little bit about the situation? "
Qin Jiwei smiled with satisfaction, he sat in the front row of the classroom, and began to tell the children about those difficult years. He used vivid language to describe the thrilling scenes on the battlefield, and also told the touching story of the military and people of China and the DPRK sharing weal and woe. The children listened attentively and let out exclamations from time to time.
After the narration, a little girl named Jin Meiying asked, "Grandpa Qin, what do you think we should do now to live up to the sacrifices of our ancestors?" Qin Jiwei replied: "Children, you must study hard and contribute to the country when you grow up." At the same time, we should also remember history, cherish peace, and continue to inherit the friendship between the peoples of China and the DPRK. "
After leaving the school, Qin Jiwei came to the volunteer martyrs' cemetery in the village. He paused in front of the monument for a long time, then bowed slowly. Kim Il Sung also bowed to pay tribute to the martyrs.
In the evening, the villagers held a grand welcome banquet for Qin Jiwei and his party. At the banquet, the villagers performed traditional Korean dances and songs, including programs that praised the friendship between China and North Korea. Qin Jiwei was invited to the stage and sang the "Song of China-North Korea Friendship" with the villagers. The singing is loud and full of affection, as if bringing people's thoughts back to that war-torn era.
At the end of the banquet, the village head, Kim Sung-chol, on behalf of the people of the village, presented Qin Jiwei with a pennant embroidered with the words "Sino-Korean friendship will last forever". Qin Jiwei took the pennant and solemnly promised the villagers: "We will always remember this history and inherit the friendship between the two peoples with blood." "
This in-depth exchange with the North Korean people not only allowed Qin Jiwei to relive those years of burning passion, but also made him deeply feel the deep friendship between the two peoples. This exchange activity has become an important link in Qin Jiwei's current visit to the DPRK and has laid a solid foundation of public opinion for the further development of Sino-DPRK relations.
On October 18, 1986, Qin Jiwei concluded a three-day visit to North Korea. This visit is not only a review and commemoration of the Shangganling Battle, but also an important impetus to Sino-DPRK relations. Before leaving Pyongyang, Chin Ki-wei and Kim Il Sung held their last talks, during which the two sides summed up the results of the visit and reached a series of consensus on the future development of bilateral relations.
During the talks, Kim Il Sung first affirmed the importance of the visit: "General Qin, your visit to the DPRK has not only evoked the common memory of the two peoples' history, but also pointed out the direction for our future cooperation. Qin Jiwei agreed: "Yes, through this visit, I deeply feel the profound friendship between the two peoples. This friendship is a solid foundation for us to move forward. "
Subsequently, the two sorted out the specific results of the visit. First of all, in terms of military cooperation, the two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries. Qin Jiwei said: "We can hold joint military exercises on a regular basis to enhance understanding and mutual trust between the two militaries. Kim Il Sung agreed, adding: "We can also cooperate in the field of military technology to jointly improve the defense capabilities of the two countries." "
Secondly, in terms of economic cooperation, the two sides have reached a number of agreements. "China is willing to provide more support for the economic development of the DPRK, including technical assistance and financial support," Qin said. Kim Il Sung expressed his gratitude for this and said, "We also hope to learn from China's experience in reform and opening up and promote the economic development of the DPRK." "
In terms of cultural exchanges, the two agreed to further strengthen exchanges between the two peoples. "We can increase the exchange of students between the two countries so that more young people can learn about each other's cultures," Qin said. Kim Il Sung agreed with this and said: "We can also jointly hold the 'China-DPRK Friendship Year' to enhance the friendship between the two peoples through various cultural activities." "
After the talks, Chin Ki-wei and Kim Il Sung jointly attended a press conference to announce the main results of the visit. In his speech, Qin Jiwei emphasized: "This visit is not only a review of history, but also a prospect for the future. We will continue to inherit and develop the friendly relations forged by the leaders of the older generation of the two countries and promote the continuous development of China-DPRK relations. "
After the press conference, Qin Jiwei went to the airport in Pyongyang to prepare for his return to China. At the airport, Kim Yong-nam, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and foreign minister, held a grand farewell ceremony for Chin Ki-wei on behalf of the DPRK Government. In his speech, Kim Yong-nam said: "General Qin's visit to the DPRK has not only deepened the friendship between the two peoples, but also injected new vitality into the development of bilateral relations. We look forward to further cooperation with our Chinese comrades in the future. "
Qin Jiwei made a brief speech before boarding: "This visit made me deeply feel the deep friendship of the Korean people for the Chinese people. We will always remember this friendship and continue to push our relations forward. "
Qin Jiwei's visit to the DPRK had a far-reaching impact. First of all, it reawakened the common memory of the two peoples of Shangganling and strengthened the emotional ties between the two peoples. Second, through talks with North Korean leaders and exchanges with ordinary people, Qin Jiwei laid the foundation for the further development of Sino-North Korean relations.
In the military field, the visit promoted exchanges and cooperation between the militaries of the two countries. In the years that followed, the Chinese and DPRK militaries held many joint military exercises and carried out in-depth cooperation in the field of military technology. This has not only improved the national defense capability of the two countries, but also strengthened mutual trust between the two militaries.
In the economic field, Qin Jiwei's visit has opened up new channels for Sino-DPRK economic cooperation. China has increased its economic aid to North Korea and sent economic experts to help North Korea develop economic development plans. These initiatives have provided important support for the economic development of the DPRK.
In the field of culture, after Qin Jiwei's visit to the DPRK, cultural exchanges between the two countries have become increasingly frequent. The two countries have increased the number of exchange programs for international students and held a number of cultural and art festivals, which have greatly promoted mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
In addition, Qin Jiwei's visit to the DPRK also had a certain impact on the international situation. It has sent a signal to the international community about the steady development of Sino-DPRK relations and is conducive to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
In general, Qin Jiwei's visit to the DPRK in 1986 was not only a commemoration of the Battle of Shangganling, but also an important milestone in the history of the development of Sino-DPRK relations. It laid a solid foundation for the further development of relations between the two countries, and its influence continues to this day.