Liu Shao-Ch'i and Mao Tse-Tung (1922-1947)

Abstract

Although Liu Shao-ch'i is from nearly the same locality [Hsiao-t'ung Hsiang] as Mao Tse-tung (1), and in addition is also, like Mao, a central figure in the "Underground Hunan Provincial Club," which is the "central core" of the present-day Chinese Communist leadership, he was not connected in any important way with Mao Tse-tung's early "revolutionary activity," not to mention the fact that he made no important contribution to it. Since Liu Shao-ch'i was not a part of the New People's Study Group [Hsin-min hsüeh hui], he was not a member of the Hunan Socialist Youth Club or the Communist small [study] group (1920-21) either. Liu and Mao both became members of the Communist Party in the year 1921; however, the place and circumstances of entering the Party were different in each case. The former entered the Party as a student at the Toilers of the East University in Moscow, while the latter was one of the organizers of the Chinese Communist Party. [Mao and Liu] did not develop close relations until after the mid-thirties. During the 15 years prior to this, their revolutionary experiences were very nearly completely independent and unconnected: the former was active in the peasant and soldier movements, centered in the soviet areas; the latter was active in the labor movement, centered in the White areas.