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East German Files on China, 1967-1989

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Forty-six newly translated East German records offer a Socialist bloc perspective on developments in China's foreign and domestic policies from 1967 through 1989.

Zhao Ziyang in the GDR, June 1987
Zhao Ziyang on a tour of East Germany in June 1987.

Forty-six translated East German records, now available on DigitalArchive.org,聽offer a Socialist bloc perspective on developments in China's foreign and domestic policies from the height of the Cultural Revolution, into the period of reform and opening, and concluding with the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

Dating from 1967 through 1989, the documents touch on subjects such as the Sino-Soviet border clash, the Cultural Revolution, Soviet bloc coordination vi-a-vis China, the Sino-American rapprochement, reform and opening, elite politics in the PRC, GDR-PRC political and economic relations, the Sino-Vietnamese war, and other developments in China鈥檚 foreign relations and domestic politics. A full list of the documents, all linked to the Digital Archive, is appended below.

The new collection is the subject of two separate blog posts written by Austin Jersild听补苍诲 Steven Grundy.

List of Documents

BStU, ZA, HA XX, 1125. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on the anti-Soviet materials displayed in front of the Chinese Embassy in East Germany.

BStU, ZA, HA X, 652. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on the Chinese army and their interactions with other organized groups.

BStU, ZA, ZAIG 1329. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report about Chinese protests against the GDR over the deaths of several embassy staff members in East Germany.

PA AA, C 1365/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Notes on acting Ambassador of the USSR in the People鈥檚 Republic of China Alexei Yalisavetin鈥檚 remarks to German Democratic Republic Ambassador Gustav Hertzfeldtt about what he viewed as China鈥檚 troubling anti-Sovietism as well as the PRC鈥檚 attempt at rapprochement with America and West Germany. Yalisavetin also discussed the eventuality of Mao Zedong鈥檚 death and named Lin Biao, Zhou Enlai, and Yao Wenyuan as likely successors.

PA AA, C 1365/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Notes on a meeting between the Ambassadors to China of the Soviet Union, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, the Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Mongolia, and Poland, in which they discussed a border incident at the Ussuri River, among other recent developments in China.

PA AA, C 1365/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Ambassadors to China from Hungary, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, and Mongolia discuss Chinese border provocations, the ninth Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, and other aspects of Chinese domestic and foreign policy.

PA AA, C 1365/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Notes on a meeting between the Ambassadors to China of the Soviet Union, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, the Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Mongolia, and Poland in which they discussed a broad range of domestic and international concerns related to the People鈥檚 Republic of China including the Cultural Revolution, Vietnam, and provocations at the Soviet border. They report throughout on conversations with other Ambassadors in China.

PA AA, C 1365/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on the GDR's foreign relations with countries such as Cambodia, Iraq, and Sudan, as well as with West Germany.

PA AA, C 1362/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

The Ambassadors of Hungary, GDR, Czechoslovakia, the USSR, Bulgaria, Poland, and Mongolia discuss the development of socialism and Maoism in the PRC in relation to other countries in the socialist camp.

PA AA, C 1362/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Ambassadors to China from Hungary, the German Democratic Republic, Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union, Poland, Bulgaria, and Mongolia discuss Chinese preparations for war, Maoist groups in Western Europe and Japan, and other aspects of Chinese foreign policy.

PA AA, C 1362/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Ambassadors to China from Hungary, the German Democratic Republic, Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union, Poland, Bulgaria, and Mongolia discuss the situations in Guangzhou and Shanghai, Chinese preparations for war, Chinese anti-Sovietism in the New Year Editorial, and Chinese foreign relations.

PA AA, C 1362/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on the current domestic situation in China, as well as their foreign policy with countries throughout the world.

PA AA, C 1363/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Socialist bloc ambassadors discuss China鈥檚 domestic and foreign policy, with some emphasis on Shanghai and Guangzhou.

PA AA, C 487/75. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

This document contains the East German (GDR) Embassy in China鈥檚 summary and preliminary evaluation of Chinese foreign policy aimed at achieving super power status; domestic militarization in China; and efforts to foster political unity around Maoist ideology.

PA AA, C 925/76. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on the current domestic situation of China and the country鈥檚 foreign policy.

PA AA, C 1364/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on the current domestic situation of China and changes in the country鈥檚 foreign policy.

PA AA, C 1364/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A discussion about the East Germany, West Germany, and the Sino-Soviet border conflict.

PA AA, C 1364/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Socialist bloc diplomats analyze the latest developments in China's foreign and domestic policies.

PA AA, C 1364/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Hertzfeldt describes a conversation between himself and Qiao Guanhua, in which they discuss East Germany's concerns with current Sino-East German relations, and the timeline for accrediting the delegated ambassador of the PRC to the GDR.

PA AA, C 509/75. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on China鈥檚 foreign policy shift, especially towards the US and USSR.

PA AA, C 1364/74. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A discussion of a conversation about the Mao regime, the establishment of the first Provincial Party Committee, the People鈥檚 Congress, and changes in foreign policy, specifically Sino-Soviet relations.

PA AA, C 496/75. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

An analysis of Sino-American relations following the Nixon invitation to visit China, US interests driving the rapprochement with China, and the potential effect of this relationship in the Asia-Pacific region.

SAPMO-BA, DY 30, J IV 2/202/542. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on Sino-Soviet and Sino-American relations with a discussion of Maoist policy. Specific attention is called to Sino-Soviet border disputes.

SAPMO-BA, DY 30, J IV B 2/20/29. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report, produced by the CPSU and shared with the East German SED, on the Sino-Soviet border conflict. The CPSU analyzes China's position on the disputed territories in their shared border, and how the Soviet Union ought to respond.

PA AA, C 6563. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A discussion of Chinese foreign policy towards the Soviet Union, countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the United States, Japan, and Western Europe.

PA AA, C 6610. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Comrade Schneidewind and Ambassador Peng Guangwei discuss reports that China may be establishing diplomatic relations with West Germany

PA AA, C 6610. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the GDR asks the PRC to comply with the status of West Berlin as part of the GDR.

PA AA, MfAA, C 295/73. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A letter appended to a working directive for GDR representatives in China in their efforts to further develop Sino-East German Relations.

PA AA, MfAA, C 295/73. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report by the East German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussing the shifting anti-Socialist and anti-Soviet attitudes amongst Chinese leadership. The majority of focus is given to China's military and foreign policy, specifically their efforts to strengthen military capabilities and their claims to territories held by neighboring states.

BStU, ZA, HV A, 124. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report given to high-level officials in the SED Central Committee and GDR Foreign Ministry. The report discusses the 'Criticize Deng' campaign, current agricultural and industrial developments in China, and China's economic relations with West Germany, Japan, and the United States. The report also provides commentary from China experts in the US State Department, discussing future perspectives for Chinese foreign policy.

SAPMO-BA, DY 30, IV B 2/20/126. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

GDR and Soviet officials discuss possible trajectories for China following the death of Mao.

SAPMO-BA, DY 30, IV B 2/20/29. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

This document discusses the shift in political leadership and the instability of the government in the wake of Mao Zedong's death. It also reports on China's economic situation and the beginnings of efforts to modernize the country, as well as foreign relations, especially with the Soviet Union.

PA AA, C 6559. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A description of Chinese domestic policy, specifically the continuation of Maoism, differences in policy held by political leaders (Hua Guofeng and Ye Jianying), and the campaign against the Gang of Four. China's foreign policy, specifically towards the Soviet Union, USA, Japan, and India is also discussed.

SAPMO-BA, DY 30, IV B 2/20/590. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on China's growing anti-Soviet policies since the death of Mao Zedong, the potential for a Sino-Soviet war, border disputes with the Soviet Union, and Chinese relations with the United States, Western Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the "Third World." The report also discusses Soviet strategy in response to these events.

BStU, ZA, HA XVIII, 8379. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A detailed overview of trade negotiations between China and East Germany.

BStU, ZA, AGM 369. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on the Sino-Vietnamese Conflict, outlining the military forces on both sides and a description of combat operations from 17 February to 8 March.

BStU, ZA, HA I, 14897. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A detailed report on the status of China's armed forces, including the PRC's nuclear weapons strategy.

SAPMO-BA, DY 30, IV B 2/20/126. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A discussion of the 5th Plenary Session of the CCP Central Committee and power struggles within the Chinese government, China's development targets, and foreign policy strategies, especially with the Soviet Union.

BStU, ZA, HA XVIII, 18262. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Erich Honecker and Song Jian discuss increased cooperation between China and East Germany on matters of science and technology, and recent technological improvements in East Germany. Honecker also provides the East German perspective on the current nuclear situation.

BStU, ZA, HA XVIII, 18262. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Song Jian visited the GDR to discuss science and technological exchanges between East Germany and China.

BStU, ZA, HA II, 38917. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

An extensive report on China's economic policies and development.

BStU, ZA, HA XVIII, 18262. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Both sides report on current economic conditions in their respective countries and discuss plans for future cooperation, specifically in science and technology.

BStU, ZA, HA XVIII, 18262. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

Weiz reports on his meetings with Zhao Ziyang, Li Peng, Song Jian, Jiang Zemin, and other Chinese leaders.

BStU, ZA, HA II, 40864. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on the structure of the Chinese Ministry of State Security and the membership of the special service.

BStU, ZA, HA II, 40864. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

A report on information obtained from a member of the Chinese intelligence service. This report discusses the individual鈥檚 opinions on East German-Soviet relations, relations between China and East Germany and China and the Soviet Union, and economic relations between East Germany and China.

BStU, ZA, HV A 644, 1-2. Translated by Bernd Schaefer.

An analysis of Chinese domestic policy and the future of its economy. A report is also written about Jiang Zemin, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CCP.

About the Author

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Charles Kraus

Deputy Director, History and Public Policy Program

Charles Kraus is the Deputy Director of the History and Public Policy Program at 澳门六合彩.

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