Letter from Zhou Enlai to Ali Sastroamidjojo’s

Mr. Prime Minister –

On January 15th, 1955, the People’s Republic of China received the invitation for the Afro-Asian Conference sent by your Excellency on behalf of the five convoking countries of Burma, Ceylon, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. The People’s Republic of China also received the memorandum that was attached to the invitation which details the purpose and nature of the Afro-Asian Conference.

The Afro-Asian Conference is the first conference of its kind in history held to further cordial relations and cooperation between Afro-Asian countries. This conference is also convoked to further explore and promote [Afro-Asian countries’] mutual interest, friendly relations and neighborly relations. The convocation of this conference reflects momentous changes in this region of the world, it also reflects the wishes of Afro-Asian countries to control their own fate, cooperate with other countries in the world on equal standing, and grow daily in resolution. This conference also offers an excellent opportunity for Afro-Asian countries of different social systems to offer their contribution towards furthering peaceful co-existence and world peace under the principle of non-interference of others’ government form and living style.

The government of the People’s Republic of China agrees with the purpose of the Afro-Asian Conference, and is honored to be working towards these purposes together with other Afro-Asian countries. The government of the People’s Republic of China has decided to send a delegation to attend the April 18th 1955 Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung of your respective country.

As for the number of personnel in the People’s Republic of China government delegation, I will notify your Excellency as soon as possible.

Your Excellency please allow me this opportunity to send my highest regards to you, the sponsor, initiator and host of the Afro-Asian Conference.

People’s Republic of China State Council Premier and Foreign Minister 

Zhou Enlai

(Signed)

10 February 1955

Beijing