PEKING: People’s China Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister, Marshal Chen Yi, said yesterday [Sept 28] that “whoever dares to attack China will be beaten hollow”.

Speaking to 1,000 Chinese, who had come from abroad, he declared that “since the beginning of the cultural revolution, led by Chairman Mao Tse-tung, the masses — workers, soldiers and Red Guards — raise the red flag high and actively uproot the old ideas and customs while strengthening the new ones”. He added that an unprecedented unity and solidarity had just been forged which “after the great proletarian revolutions made China stronger than ever”.

The Chinese Foreign Minister confirmed that Chairman Mao Tse-tung was the leader of China’s cultural revolution. He said that a further “great leap forward” would follow the cultural revolution. “Should any enemy dare to launch an attack on China we would certainly be able to defeat and smash it thoroughly.” He reiterated China’s determination to “defeat US imperialism”.

The Foreign Minister toasted the health of Chair­man Mao and “a close comrade in arms” Defence Minister Lin Piao. He said both men were in excellent health which was “joyful news”. — Agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies from San Francisco,] heavily armed national guards moved into the Negro sector here during the night searching for rooftop snipers who had earlier fired on police and firemen. This was the second day of disturbances in the area. The two days of violence had left their mark. The streets were littered with broken glass from bottles and shattered shop fronts.

Governor Pat Brown, who was campaigning in the southern part of the state, flew back here when the fresh riots started. He told newsmen the people of California were ready to meet violence with force.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2016