Some view the spread of class struggle and lack of reform or opening-up over the three decades after the foundation of new China in 1949 to have slowed China’s economic development. Such a theory certainly has some grounding. However, the domestic strife and foreign oppression of the newly founded country should also be considered. During that time, China was faced with an arduous task of restoring the normal life of the people and reinvigorating the nation’s industries. The idea of executing reforms and opening-up in such a context seems to be impractical as few countries would recognize the new government, let alone investment in it and the associated new business opportunities. Since that time, China did form an alliance with the Soviet Union standing on one side of the Iron Curtain. After the break-up of the alliance, the Soviet Union withdrew all foreign assistance and left China with the Cold War. Without a strong political, economic, and military position, China had no choice but to seek allegiance with the other advocates of Communism such as Yugoslavia. The resultant hardships China was exposed to were significant.
China’s growing national strength occurred under the guidance of the first generation of talented and visionary party leaders, such as Premier Zhou Enlai. These statesmen and diplomats formulated decisive strategies to lead the country out of its diplomatic dilemma and open up to the outside world.
There were also a number of western political leaders who also made valuable contributions to the development of the country by breaking through decades of ideological obstacles by establishing diplomatic connections with China. Particularly worthy of mention as significant contributors to this process are Dr. Kissinger, former U.S. President Nixon and Australia’s Mr. Whitlam .
“The Road to China”, published by Tianda Institute in June 2010, is a collection of speeches, dialogues and papers made by Mr. Whitlam relating to China. Shortly after being elected Senator of Australia in 1954, Mr. Whitlam initiated the proposal of recognizing the People’s Republic of China in Parliament. In July 1971, Mr. Whitlam, the then opposition leader, paid a visit to China, making him the first Australian political leader in China. Whitlam’s public visit happened only four days ahead of Dr. Kissinger’s secret visit to Beijing. Such gestures not only shocked the whole world but also brought changes to the world’s stage.
Mr. Whitlam was elected Prime Minister of Australia on December 2nd 1972. Twenty days later, Australia established official diplomatic relationship with the People’s Republic of China. In November 1973, Whitlam became the first Australian Prime Minister to visit China and was also the only one who met with Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping amongst Australian political leaders. As disclosed in the preface of the book, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that Mr. Whitlam’s ice-breaking visit to China made a profound impact on him. Back then, the young Kevin Rudd paid close attention to Mr. Whitlam’s visit in China on television every day, and from this his interest in this ancient oriental country started to grow. Eventually, he chose to study Chinese, a fairly unusual foreign language choice at the time. Mr. Whitlam not only impacted Mr. Rudd but also an entire generation of Australians and most importantly the Sino-Australia relationship.
”The Road to China” gives a full description of Mr. Whitlam’s experiences and demonstrates his foresight, wisdom and courage. China’s recent ascension and growth may romanticise the title “The Road to China”, however, many can recall a time when the road to China was more perilous than an adventure through the bramble brushes.
Mr. Whitlam first visited China in 1971. One of his companions thought it more likely that his future would have held a visit to the Moon rather than a visit to China and was astounded to witness China’s true offerings. Mr. Whitlam’s first visit to China in 1971 was described by the then Australian Prime Minister with sarcasm. Despite such judements, Mr. Whitlam laid a solid foundation for the establishment of a strong Sino-Australia diplomatic relationship.
“The Road to China” contains three significant areas of interest for its readers. The book contains first-hand historical accounts of details of China which were previously unknown to the general public. There are quotes from conversations with Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou during Mr. Whitlam’s first visit to China and his impressions as a western political figure. These passages provide significant historical insights for experts and scholars of the history of the Sino-Australia relationship.
Secondly, the book’s publication recognizes Mr. Whitlam’s contribution to the new era in the Sino-Australian relationship. There is a Chinese proverb that roughly translates to ‘when you drink the water, think of those who dug the well’. The friendship developed between the Chinese people and Mr. Whitlam is long lasting. Over the past three decades, the retired Mr. Whitlam has been to China many timesvisiting old friends and providing valuable advice on the establishment of a healthy Sino-Australian relationship. A number of his speeches and addresses during this period are also incorporated in this book.
The third area of contribution of the book is its practical significance. The road to China was built by Chairman Mao, Premier Zhou and Mr. Whitlam together, and the way ahead requires collaboration between the two governments and their people, generation by generation. However, the road of the Sino-Australian relationship faces some obstacles, including but not limited to domestic politics. The last two years has seen the relationship trough.
As such, the timing of Tianda Institute’s publication of Mr. Whitlam’s recollections carries special meaning. Mr. Chubb, Chancellor of The Australian National University presented this book to Mr. Xi Jinping, Vice-President of the PRC, during his visit to Australia in June this year. , Mr. Xi said”I am honored to receive this gift. Please give Mr. Whitlam my best regards and sincere gratitude.” He also recalled Mr. Whitlam’s visit to Xiamen twenty years ago. At that time, Mr. Xi, then Deputy Mayor, was invited to overlook Jinmen with Mr. Whitlam, who recognized the foresight and wisdom of senior Chinese leaders’ dealings with national issues surrounding Taiwan’s sovereignty. Mr. Xi fondly remembers the details today. His recent visit to Australia was described by the Australian media as an remarkable event symbolizing the recovery of the Sino-Australian relationship. The cooperation of these two political leaders hopefully heralds further development of the Sino-Australian relationship in the peaceful and friendly way as paved by the previous generations of leaders such as Premier Zhou and Mr. Whitlam.
According to Mr. Fang Wenquan, Chairman of the Tianda Institute, the development of a healthy Sino-Australian relationship is not only of mutual interest to the two people but also in the interest of the two countries. The publication of “The Road to China” is Tianda Institute’s contribution to the Sino-Australian relationship..jpg)
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