April 29, 1969
Discussion between Li Xiannian and Le Duc Tho
LI XIANNIAN AND LE DUC THO
Beijing, 29 April 1969
Li Xiannian: The problem in the war in South Vietnam is not that of a big or a small victory but of the final [victory]. I still recall Vice-Chairman Lin Biao stressing the word “patience.” The final victory depends on fighting. According to our experience, the victory cannot be gained at the negotiating table. We have to be determined to fight the enemy until he has nothing else to resort to. In all, negotiation is of secondary importance with a view to exposing the enemy’s schemes and we have to rely on fighting with a view to annihilating the enemy. This is our experience.
Li Xiannian advises South Vietnam toward a total victory and regards negotiation as of secondary importance.
Author(s):
Associated Places
Associated Topics
Subjects Discussed
Document Information
Source
Rights
The History and Public Policy Program welcomes reuse of Digital Archive materials for research and educational purposes. Some documents may be subject to copyright, which is retained by the rights holders in accordance with US and international copyright laws. When possible, rights holders have been contacted for permission to reproduce their materials.
To enquire about this document's rights status or request permission for commercial use, please contact the History and Public Policy Program at [email protected].
Explore Related Resources
77 Conversations Between Chinese and Foreign Leaders on the Wars in Indochina, 1964-77
This groundbreaking Working Paper from the Wilson Center's Cold War International History Project features 77 documents on the rise and fall of the Sino-Vietnamese alliance during the Cold War as well as key contextual analysis from Odd Arne Westad, Chen Jian, Stein Tønnesson, and Nguyen Vu Tung.