Everyone knows that Chiang Kai-shek eventually retreated to Taiwan, but few people know that he had other options in the first place. In 1949, the Kuomintang was defeated and retreated, and the general trend was gone. Chiang Kai-shek was faced with a difficult choice: retreat to the southwest, move to Hainan, or move to Taiwan? Each option has its pros and cons that make the commander undecided. At this critical moment, an unexpected figure appeared, and his words made Chiang Kai-shek suddenly enlighten and make a final decision. Who exactly convinced Chiang Kai-shek? What are the unique advantages of retreating to Taiwan? Let's take a look at this little-known historical mystery.
1. Chiang Kai-shek's three retreats
In 1949, the civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party had come to an end. Chiang Kai-shek stood on Zhongshan Mountain in Nanjing, looking at the People's Liberation Army rolling in from the north, and secretly pondered the future retreat in his heart. At this time, he is like a trapped chess player, who must choose between three ways out.
The first way to retreat is the land of Bashu in the southwest. Chongqing and Chengdu, two cities that made a deep impression on Chiang Kai-shek during the Sino-Japanese War. In 1938, in order to avoid the Japanese attack, the Nationalist Government moved the capital from Nanjing to Chongqing. Chiang Kai-shek spent the difficult years of the Anti-Japanese War here, and also developed a deep affection for this land.
Once, Chiang Kai-shek said to his staff: "Although Chongqing is remote, the terrain is dangerous, easy to defend and difficult to attack. We have been here for eight years, so why can't we hold out for a few more years? "Indeed, the land of Bashu is surrounded by mountains and has complex terrain, and it has been a battleground for soldiers since ancient times. Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period used this as a base and made many northern expeditions to the Central Plains.
The second way out is Hainan Island. Known as the "Pearl of the South China Sea", this island is located at the southernmost tip of China, across the sea from Guangdong. Chiang Kai-shek visited Hainan many times and admired its tropical scenery and strategic location. He once said to the generals accompanying him: "Hainan Island is surrounded by the sea on all sides, and it is easy to defend and difficult to attack, so if it can be built into an unsinkable aircraft carrier, it will not be a good choice." "
However, Hainan Island also has its distinct disadvantages. A naval commander reported to Chiang Kai-shek: "Hainan Island is too close to the mainland, only more than 20 kilometers away from the Qiongzhou Strait. If the PLA artillery can cover the strait, we will be in a very dangerous position. This question made Chiang Kai-shek ponder.
The third way out is the island of Taiwan. Speaking of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek is actually no stranger. As early as 1945, after Japan's surrender, the Nationalist government took over Taiwan. At that time, Chiang Kai-shek also specially sent his son Chiang Ching-kuo to Taiwan to inspect the situation. When Chiang Ching-kuo returned, he reported to his father: "Taiwan's infrastructure is much better than expected, and the Japanese have been operating there for 50 years, leaving behind quite a lot of industrial and agricultural bases. "
These words aroused the interest of Chiang Kai-shek. He immediately sent people to conduct a detailed investigation in Taiwan. The survey results show that Taiwan is not only strategically located, but also has a relatively solid economic foundation, which seems to be a good choice.
However, there are risks associated with choosing Taiwan. Chiang Kai-shek was reminded: "Taiwan is too far from the mainland, and once it retreats, it is very likely that it will never come back." This view made Chiang Kai-shek hesitate.
In this way, Chiang Kai-shek was faced with three options for retreat. Each path has its advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult for this battle-tested commander to decide for a while. He often stood alone in front of the map, comparing the three options over and over again.
Once, Chiang Kai-shek's wife, Soong Meiling, saw him frowning and asked, "What are you bothering about?" Chiang Kai-shek sighed and said, "Choosing a retreat is like choosing the future." I must not only think about myself, but also for the entire Kuomintang and the millions of soldiers and civilians who follow us! "
Just when Chiang Kai-shek was undecided, an unexpected figure appeared, and his words made Chiang Kai-shek pause. Who is this person? And how did he convince Chiang Kai-shek?
2. Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each retreat route
Faced with three possible retreats, Chiang Kai-shek and his aides began detailed analysis and comparisons. Each option has its own unique strengths and weaknesses that cannot be ignored, which makes the decision-making process incredibly difficult.
First, let's look at the advantages of the southwest retreat. The land of Bashu, centered on Chongqing and Chengdu, has been known for its geographical danger since ancient times. It is surrounded by mountains and rivers, forming a natural barrier. In 1944, the Japanese army launched an offensive codenamed "Operation No. 1" with the intention of occupying the Sichuan Basin, but ultimately failed due to the complex terrain. This historical experience gave Chiang Kai-shek confidence in the defense capability of the southwest.
Once, Chiang Kai-shek said in a discussion with several generals: "Do you remember the situation when Liu Bei entered Sichuan? With only a few thousand people and horses, it can gain a foothold in Shuzhong. We have hundreds of thousands of troops, so why can't we hold this world? Indeed, Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period relied on the advantages of the land of Bashu to make many northern expeditions to the Central Plains.
However, the Southwestern Retreat also has obvious flaws. A general familiar with the situation on the ground pointed out: "Although the southwest is easy to defend, it also means that we will be trapped in this land. Once the PLA besieges Sichuan, we will be left alone. This view made Chiang Kai-shek ponder.
Next, let's take a look at the situation on Hainan Island. As the largest tropical island in China, Hainan Island has unique geographical advantages. It is surrounded by the sea and has a long coastline, which provides a natural barrier for defense. In addition, Hainan Island also has abundant tropical resources, which can provide material support for long-term garrison.
At the beginning of 1949, Chiang Kai-shek sent people to inspect the situation on Hainan Island. After returning from the delegation, the delegation reported: "Hainan Island has a suitable climate and fertile land, and if it is developed, it can be completely self-sufficient. This report allowed Chiang Kai-shek to see the potential of Hainan Island.
However, Hainan Island also has disadvantages that cannot be ignored. The biggest problem is that it's too close to the mainland. One admiral pointed out to Chiang Kai-shek: "Hainan Island is only 18 kilometers from the nearest part of the Leizhou Peninsula, and if the PLA deploys heavy artillery on the opposite shore, we will not be able to move an inch on the island." The problem forced Chiang Kai-shek to reconsider the feasibility of Hainan Island as a retreat.
Finally, let's analyze the situation in Taiwan. The advantage of the island of Taiwan is arguably the most obvious of the three options. First of all, it has an extremely advantageous location. The barrier of the Taiwan Strait provides a natural barrier for defense. Second, Taiwan's infrastructure is relatively well-developed. Japan ruled Taiwan for 50 years, leaving behind a large industrial and agricultural base.
After the liberation of Taiwan in 1945, Chiang Kai-shek sent people to conduct a detailed investigation of Taiwan. The survey report shows that Taiwan not only has abundant natural resources, but also has a relatively complete industrial base, especially in the fields of shipbuilding and sugar refining. These advantages allowed Chiang Kai-shek to see the possibility of holding out in Taiwan for a long time.
In addition, Taiwan has another unique advantage, and that is its international status. Out of Cold War considerations, the United States attaches great importance to Taiwan's strategic value. In May 1949, U.S. Secretary of State Acheson told Chiang Kai-shek that the United States would provide the necessary support if the Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan. This pledge undoubtedly adds to Taiwan's attractiveness as a retreat.
However, choosing Taiwan as a retreat also faces considerable challenges. First of all, there is the issue of distance, Taiwan is far away from the mainland, and once it retreats, it will become extremely difficult to return to the mainland. The second is cultural differences, Taiwan has experienced 50 years of Japanese rule, and there has been a certain cultural gap with the mainland.
Once, Chiang Ching-kuo, Chiang Kai-shek's son, said after returning from an inspection trip to Taiwan: "Father, the situation in Taiwan is more complicated than we imagined. The people there are still a bit unfamiliar to us, and we need to do a lot of work if we want to get a foothold there. These words made Chiang Kai-shek realize that even if he chose Taiwan, the road ahead would not be easy.
In this way, the advantages and disadvantages of the three retreats were placed in front of Chiang Kai-shek. Each choice is related to the future of the KMT, and may even change the course of Chinese history. Faced with such a major choice, Chiang Kai-shek fell into deep thought. However, at this critical moment, an unexpected figure appeared, and his suggestion turned out to make Chiang Kai-shek suddenly enlightened. Who is this person? And how did he convince Chiang Kai-shek?
3. Chiang Kai-shek's hesitation
In the early spring of 1949, under the plane tree in Nanjing, Chiang Kai-shek paced alone. The commander-in-chief's face was full of worry, and he was facing a fateful decision that would determine the fate of the Kuomintang. Southwest, Hainan, and Taiwan, the three retreat paths have their own advantages and disadvantages, but time waits for no one. The footsteps of the People's Liberation Army were getting closer, and Chiang Kai-shek had to make a decision as soon as possible.
Chiang Kai-shek had a special affection for Chongqing. From 1938 to 1946, the Nationalist Government spent the difficult years of the Anti-Japanese War in Chongqing. During that time, Chiang Kai-shek witnessed firsthand the tenacity of the people of Chongqing. Once, when the Japanese army carried out a large-scale bombing of Chongqing, Chiang Kai-shek heard the explosion outside in the air-raid shelter and couldn't help but say to the secretary next to him: "The people of Chongqing are so strong, what reason do we have to give up?" This experience gave Chiang Kai-shek a deep affection for Chongqing.
In March 1949, Chiang Kai-shek convened a high-level meeting to discuss the possibility of retreating to the southwest. At the meeting, a general who had worked in Chongqing said: "Chairman, the terrain of Chongqing is complex, easy to defend and difficult to attack. We can take advantage of the Yangtze River natural hazards and organize effective defenses here. This suggestion was endorsed by many people. However, another general put forward a different view: "However, the southwest region is inaccessible, and once it is besieged, it will be difficult for us to get external support. This controversy left Chiang Kai-shek pondering.
Chiang Kai-shek had deep concerns about Taiwan. Although Taiwan is strategically located and has relatively well-developed infrastructure, it is too far from the mainland. Chiang Kai-shek once said to his aides: "If we retreat to Taiwan, it means that we may never be able to return to the mainland." This thought weighed heavily on Chiang Kai-shek.
In addition, the cultural differences that exist between Taiwan and the mainland also worried Chiang Kai-shek. After the liberation of Taiwan in 1945, Chiang Kai-shek sent many officials and troops to Taiwan. However, there are often conflicts between these people and the local population. The outbreak of the 228 Incident in 1947 made Chiang Kai-shek realize the seriousness of the problem.
Once, after Chiang Ching-kuo returned from an inspection trip to Taiwan, he reported to his father: "Father, the situation in Taiwan is more complicated than we imagined. The people there are still a bit unfamiliar to us, and we need to do a lot of work if we want to get a foothold there. These words made Chiang Kai-shek even more hesitant.
Faced with this predicament, the KMT's top brass also became divided. The faction represented by Sun Liren advocated retreating to Taiwan, believing that only in Taiwan could the United States gain support and thus make it possible to make a comeback. The other faction, represented by Bai Chongxi, insisted that they should retreat to the southwest, believing that only by taking root in the mainland could they maintain their influence over the whole country.
In April 1949, Chiang Kai-shek convened a secret meeting in Nanjing to discuss the final retreat option. The meeting lasted three full days, but in the end there was still no agreement. Bai Chongxi said excitedly at the meeting: "Chairman, we can't leave the mainland!" Once we go to Taiwan, it is tantamount to cutting ourselves off from the Chinese! And Sun Liren retorted: "But only in Taiwan can we get the support of the United States, and it will be possible to regroup!" "
This controversy was very difficult for Chiang Kai-shek. He is well aware that no matter what choice he makes, he will face enormous challenges and risks. In a private conversation, Chiang Kai-shek said to his old friend: "This may be the most difficult decision of my life." I must consider not only myself, but also the entire Kuomintang and the millions of soldiers and civilians who follow us. "
Just as Chiang Kai-shek was undecided, an unexpected figure appeared. This man is neither a military expert nor a politician, but a scholar. His words made Chiang Kai-shek pause, and finally made the decision to choose Taiwan as a way out. Who is this person? And how did he convince Chiang Kai-shek?
4. Hu Shih's suggestion and Chiang Kai-shek's final decision
In late April 1949, the situation in Nanjing became increasingly tense. While Chiang Kai-shek was agonizing over the choice of a retreat, an unexpected figure appeared. This person is Hu Shi, a famous scholar and former president of Peking University.
Hu Shih's relationship with Chiang Kai-shek has always been delicate. As a representative of liberal intellectuals, Hu Shih publicly criticized the policies of the Kuomintang on many occasions. Chiang Kai-shek, however, always maintained respect for the scholar. At this critical moment, the appearance of Hu Shih surprised and delighted Chiang Kai-shek.
One sunny afternoon, Chiang Kai-shek met Hu Shih in the garden of the presidential palace. The two wandered under the lush plane trees and began a meaningful conversation.
Hu Shi said straight to the point: "Chairman of the committee, I heard that you are considering the issue of retreat. I have some ideas that I don't know whether to talk about or not. Chiang Kai-shek immediately welcomed him and asked Hu Shih to speak freely.
Hu Shi first analyzed the limitations of the southwest retreat. He said: "Chairman, although the terrain in the southwest is dangerous, it is a dead end after all. Once surrounded by the Communist Party, we will lose the opportunity to contact the outside world. This will not only lead to shortages, but will also make us lose our voice on the international stage. "
Next, Hu Shi talked about the choice of Hainan Island. "Although Hainan Island is surrounded by the sea, it is too close to the mainland," he said. The Communists only need to control the Leizhou Peninsula to exert enormous pressure on Hainan Island. In the long run, Hainan Island will not be a solid base. "
Finally, Hu Shih focused on the advantages of choosing Taiwan. He said: "Taiwan not only has geographical advantages, but more importantly, it has a special international status. The United States, out of its own interests, is likely to support our regime in Taiwan. This opens up possibilities for our future development. "
Hu Shih's analysis made Chiang Kai-shek ponder. But Hu Shih did not stop, he continued: "Chairman of the committee, Taiwan also has a unique advantage, that is, its industrial base. Japan ruled Taiwan for 50 years, leaving behind many industrial facilities. If we can make good use of these resources, it will be possible to establish a modern regime in Taiwan. "
Chiang Kai-shek quite agreed with Hu Shih's remarks. He remembered the investigation he sent after Taiwan's liberation in 1945. The survey report did show that Taiwan's industrial base is relatively perfect, especially in the fields of shipbuilding and sugar refining.
Chiang Kai-shek, however, had one more concern. He told Hu Shih: "However, there are already big cultural differences between Taiwan and the mainland. How do we gain a foothold there? "
Hu Shi replied with a smile: "Chairman, this is our opportunity. After 50 years of Japanese rule, Taiwan is indeed different from the mainland. But it also means that we can build a new political model there. We can learn from the past and build a more democratic and modern government. This will not only win the support of the people in Taiwan, but also the recognition of the international community. "
Hu Shih's words made Chiang Kai-shek's eyes light up. He realized that retreating to Taiwan was not only a military option, but also a political opportunity. This could be an opportunity for the KMT to make a fresh start.
After the conversation with Hu Shih, Chiang Kai-shek immediately summoned his core staff for discussion. The meeting lasted late into the night, and in the end, Chiang Kai-shek made the decision to choose Taiwan as a retreat.
In May 1949, Chiang Kai-shek officially announced this decision. In his announcement, he said: "We chose Taiwan not only to preserve our strength, but also to build a new China there." We will learn from the past and build a democratic, free and prosperous society. "
However, after the decision was made, Chiang Kai-shek was faced with a huge challenge: how to safely transfer a large number of people and materials to Taiwan in a short period of time? This process is fraught with danger and uncertainty. Chiang Kai-shek knew that every next step could decide the fate of the Kuomintang.
And just like that, a thrilling transfer began. In the coming months, the Kuomintang government will face unprecedented challenges. Will they be able to complete this transfer successfully? What kind of fate will Taiwan usher in?
5. The Great Retreat of the Kuomintang
In May 1949, after Chiang Kai-shek made the decision to retreat to Taiwan, an unprecedented retreat began. The operation involved not only the transfer of hundreds of thousands of troops, but also the relocation of a large number of government agencies, cultural relics and ancient books, industrial equipment, and gold, silver, and foreign exchange. Time is pressing, the task is arduous, and every link affects the fate of the Kuomintang.
The first challenge was how to organize such a large-scale retreat in a short period of time. Chiang Kai-shek appointed Chen Cheng as "Commander-in-Chief of Taiwan's Defense" with full responsibility for the operation. Chen Cheng immediately set up a special command headquarters and formulated a detailed retreat plan.
The first step in the retreat was the transfer of government agencies. At the beginning of June, various departments of the Nationalist Government began to move to Taiwan one after another. In order to avoid causing panic, this process is carried out in secret. Government officials were told to carry only the necessary documents and personal belongings, leaving the rest. An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs later recalled: "In those days, we worked day and night to sort out documents and destroy confidential materials that could not be taken away. The entire building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was smoky, and the smell of burnt paste filled the air. "
This was followed by the transfer of troops. This is the most complex and dangerous part of the entire retreat. Chiang Kai-shek ordered that only elite troops should be withdrawn to Taiwan. The decision sparked some controversy, but Chiang Kai-shek insisted that this was the only way to ensure Taiwan's defense.
In mid-July, the first troops began to board the ships. In order to avoid detection by the communist troops, most of the ships set off at night. One soldier involved in the retreat later described: "That night, we quietly boarded a cargo ship. The cabin was packed, stuffy and hot. As the boat left the dock, I saw someone on the shore secretly wiping away tears. "
At the same time, the Kuomintang was also conducting a covert operation: the transfer of gold reserves from the Central Bank. This gold is not only a national wealth, but also the economic basis for the future re-establishment of the regime in Taiwan. To ensure safety, the gold is shipped in batches. Each batch is escorted by elite troops, taking various routes such as water and air. It is said that a shipment of gold was even disguised as ordinary cargo and mixed in civilian cargo ships and shipped to Taiwan.
The transfer of cultural relics is also an important link. The Kuomintang government was well aware of the historical and cultural value of these cultural relics and decided to bring some of the precious cultural relics to Taiwan. A staff member at the Palace Museum recalled: "We worked day and night, carefully packing these national treasures. Each artifact is like a child, and we are afraid of damaging them during the transfer process. "
However, the retreat was not all smooth sailing. In early August, a steamer carrying thousands of soldiers was hit by a typhoon on its way and nearly sank. Fortunately, nearby U.S. warships arrived in time to rescue most of the personnel. This incident made Chiang Kai-shek aware of the danger of sea transfers, and subsequently strengthened air transfers.
The transfer of the Air Force went relatively smoothly. Most of the planes successfully flew to Taiwan. But there were also pilots who chose to defect to the Communist Party. It is said that one of the pilots said to his companion before takeoff, "Goodbye, I'm going home." He then flew the plane to the north.
By September, the retreat was in its final stages. Chiang Kai-shek ordered the bombing of some of the military installations in Nanking to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Communists. An eyewitness described: "That night, the whole of Nanjing seemed to be shrouded in firelight. Explosions rang out one after another, and the air was filled with the smell of gunsmoke. "
On October 1, when Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, the great retreat of the Kuomintang was almost complete. It is estimated that about 2 million people were evacuated to Taiwan by the operation, including military, government officials, intellectuals and other people.
However, although the retreat was completed, the situation of the Kuomintang in Taiwan remained dire. How to re-establish regime on this strange island? How to respond to a possible communist attack? How can we get the support of the international community? These were the great challenges facing Chiang Kai-shek.
On December 7, 1949, Chiang Kai-shek arrived at the port of Keelung, Taiwan, on a warship. When he set foot on the land, a new era began. The course of the Kuomintang regime in Taiwan thus began.