On the issue of ethnic minorities, I am still a primary school student. Comrades have studied this problem more than I have, and they specialize in the technical field. Today, I'm going to talk about the situation in southwest China mainly in the light of minority issues.

Minority issues are very important in southwest China. We have the largest number of ethnic minorities in China, one in the northwest and the other in the southwest. There are more fears in the southwest than in the northwest, and the situation is more complicated. The southwest border stretches for thousands of kilometers from Tibet to Yunnan and Guangxi. On such a long border, the vast majority of people live in ethnic minorities. If the problems of ethnic minorities cannot be solved well, it is impossible to solve the problems of national defense. Therefore, judging from the situation in southwest China, only national defense issues should be considered, and ethnic minority work should also be placed in a high position.

It is not clear how many ethnic minorities there are in southwest China. According to the recent report of Yunnan, there are more than 70 ethnic names reported in this province. It is said that there are more than 100 Miao people in Guizhou, but in fact some of them are not Miao people. For example, the Dong people used to be considered as Miao people, but in fact, their language and history are different, and they themselves oppose it. From this situation, we can see that we not only know something about ethnic minority issues, but also haven't even touched the surface. Of course, after three or two years of work, it is possible to have a clear understanding of all ethnic groups. We may find something unclear in history.

In the history of China, the gap between ethnic minorities and Han nationality is very deep. This situation is gradually changing because of our work in the past and the past six months, but it does not mean that we have eliminated the gap today. It will take a long time for ethnic minorities to overcome the gap with the Han nationality caused by Han chauvinism in history through facts. We should do long-term work to bridge this gap. Let them believe that politically, all ethnic groups in China are truly equal; Economically, their life will be improved; Culturally, it will also be improved. The so-called culture mainly refers to the culture of one's own nation. If we don't achieve results in these three aspects, it will be impossible to eliminate this historical gap and historical rift. People's Republic of China (PRC) is a multi-ethnic country. Only on the basis of eliminating ethnic barriers and through the joint efforts of people of all ethnic groups can we truly form a beautiful family of the Chinese nation. We have the conditions to eliminate ethnic barriers. The reactionary rule in history has pursued the policy of great nationalism, which can only deepen the national gap. Today, the ethnic policy stipulated in the same program of our CPPCC will definitely eliminate this gap and realize the great unity of all ethnic groups.

I want to talk about Tibetans in Xikang. In the past, there was a deep gap between Tibet and Han, but great changes have taken place since we entered the southwest, especially since we announced the policy of liberating Tibet and put forward ten conditions. What was their past situation? In the past, Xikang's reactionary rule made them suffer. After we went in, we first announced the ethnic policy with the same program. At the same time, the fine style of our army was also reflected in some specific issues, such as implementing the three major disciplines and eight attentions, respecting Tibetan customs and religious beliefs, and not staying in the Lama Temple. , thus winning the trust of returning Tibetans. They said, "Our army is excellent." People's houses, even if it rains heavily, will not enter if they are not allowed to enter, and will not live if they are not allowed to live. This is the result of implementing correct policies. Rulers in history have never announced good policies, but only said and did not do it. As long as our policy is determined, it will definitely be implemented. Some Tibetan representatives think that our ten items are a bit too broad. Just be wider, it's true, not fake, not lying to them. Therefore, this policy has a great influence and its power cannot be underestimated. Because this policy meets their requirements and the requirements of national unity.

In the southwest minority areas, our party has done some work in history, which has had a good influence. During the Long March, some revolutionary seeds were sown in places where the Red Army passed, such as Yunnan, Guizhou and even Xikang, all of which had some revolutionary influence. The Red Army went north and did something against discipline for its own survival. He was hungry and had nothing to do. Now we should tell them that the burden of the national revolution was on you at that time, and you did your best to preserve the Red Army. We should apologize to them for what we did wrong at that time. When we went this time, some Tibetans admitted that they ate all the food at that time and didn't want to eat it. Now I understand. They are happy for their liberation.

Through these historical work and today's work, we can completely solve the ethnic barriers left over from thousands of years and unite all ethnic groups well. In the world, Marxism–Leninism can solve ethnic problems. In China, Mao Zedong Thought, who combined Marxism-Leninism with China's revolutionary practice, could also solve this problem. As long as we really follow the same program, as long as we sincerely help them politically, economically and culturally, we will do things well. As long as we abandon great nationalism, we can let ethnic minorities abandon narrow nationalism. We can't ask ethnic minorities to abolish narrow nationalism first, but should honestly abolish big nationalism first. As soon as the two doctrines were abolished, unity appeared.

Since entering the southwest, we have a general understanding that the ethnic problems in the southwest are very complicated and must be solved well. This involves all aspects of work, but we know little about the situation, so we emphasize that we should take a very stable attitude and do a good job in ethnic relations from the beginning. The key point is to remove the concerns of all ethnic groups about the PLA and eliminate the barriers between ethnic groups. Don't talk about many issues involving ethnic minorities, don't rush to carry out reforms, don't rush to put forward opinions, and don't rush to publicize ethnic policies. Strictly enforce discipline in practical actions and do not infringe upon their interests, including collecting public grain and taking care of their practical difficulties. First of all, ensure that they will never exceed the historical burden and can only be less than the historical burden. We can be sure that among ethnic minorities, it is precisely because of the deep gap with the Han nationality in the past and the complicated situation that the so-called class struggle within ethnic minorities cannot be launched by external forces, class struggle should not be created by external forces, and any reform can not be carried out by external forces. All internal reforms of ethnic minorities should be carried out by internal forces of ethnic minorities. Reform is necessary. Without reform, poverty and backwardness of ethnic minorities cannot be eliminated, but such reform can only be carried out after the internal conditions of ethnic minorities are met.

At present, the central task of our national work is to do a good job of unity and eliminate barriers. As long as there is no trouble, we can start to eliminate barriers and do a good job of unity, that is, do a good job and achieve results. If we suffer from acute diseases, such as in Han areas, we always want to get food quickly and organize the masses quickly to make our work effective, then problems will arise. In the past, there were some problems in other aspects, and the main reason was acute disease. This has taught many of our comrades not to suffer from acute diseases, and it doesn't matter if they have a little "chronic diseases". "Chronic diseases" don't make mistakes, acute diseases make mistakes, and other things can't be acute and chronic. Don't be afraid of "chronic diseases" in this matter. Of course, we still have to do our job well. We shouldn't fall asleep because we are afraid of acute diseases. We should be steady and steady to ensure the development of the situation. Once the foundation of unity is consolidated, the work will move forward. Some of our comrades have good subjective wishes, but they are suffering from acute diseases, and leaders should always guard against acute diseases. At present, an important principle of working in minority areas is not to cause trouble or make trouble. Ninety-nine out of a hundred cadres have done a good job, and if one cadre has a problem, he can make things worse. Based on this idea, we should send fewer but better cadres to minority areas, not in quantity but in quality. They should understand the ethnic policy, really want to do a good job in ethnic minority work, and not allow one person to have problems. This must be guaranteed. During this period, there is nothing wrong with the ethnic problems in southwest China, because the work is stable, which is called achievement.

So, have you done enough work so far? Now a series of new problems have emerged, and we need to do further work, otherwise there will be chaos. For example, the same program provides for regional autonomy in areas where ethnic minorities live in concentrated communities. As soon as the program was announced, the ethnic minorities were very happy. When they are happy, they ask when and how to implement it. They asked for cash. If they don't honor it for half a year, they won't believe our policy. This political problem cannot be solved. Our party has encountered this problem in history. For example, in Inner Mongolia, we have experience in this field, and in the northern Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia border region, we also have some experience. However, there is still no experience in the vast new areas, which is still a new problem for many cadres. But we must start now, because the demands of ethnic minorities are urgent. In Xikang, some representatives even want to use the name "Boba government" when implementing regional autonomy. Not yet, but they must have a name that they are satisfied with. Many place names in Xikang were taken by Han people. Just because we are used to calling them doesn't mean they are used to it. This is still a question of name, and other issues are more complicated. For example, there used to be a county in Kangdong with a history of twenty or thirty years. Now that regional ethnic autonomy is being implemented, do you still want to keep the county? From the perspective of development prospects, it is beneficial to preserve the county seat, which has become a habit, but do they agree or disagree? There is a principle that if they don't agree, they have to cancel it and draw another one. Also, how to solve the internal problems of ethnic minorities when regional ethnic autonomy is implemented? Some are used to fight the enemy. You fight and I fight. This is mainly provoked by the reactionary ruling class that promoted Han chauvinism in the past, and it is a means for great nationalism to rule small and weak ethnic groups, but it also has many benefits. We should consider these problems calmly and let them unite and stop fighting the enemy. Another example is the implementation of regional ethnic autonomy. Will we send cadres? Factions are necessary, but they must be few and good, and cadres who can really help them should be sent. As for the name, we should discuss it with them. Our comrades work very hard. We need to clear our minds, and some comrades who are willing to do this work should go there to work. This series of problems involves the policy of regional ethnic autonomy.

Today, we are implementing regional ethnic autonomy in the southwest, and Kangdong should be the first, because all conditions are relatively available. First, Tibetan compatriots are concentrated; Second, there is a working foundation in history; Third, after we entered that place, we established good relations with our Tibetan compatriots; Fourthly, there is a progressive organization called the Democratic Youth League in eastern Tibet, with more than 100 people. With these conditions, we can do the work at once. This is a big problem, and if it is solved well, it can directly affect Tibet. Other places should also actively create conditions to do it, not just stop at slogans. Some places can also set up a local national democratic Coalition government first. For example, Liangshan and Liangshan, where the Yi people live in compact communities, should implement regional ethnic autonomy, but the conditions are not enough now. For the time being, such areas are only suitable for establishing a local national democratic Coalition government, which is more beneficial to them. Yunnan and Guizhou are also suitable for establishing local national democratic Coalition governments. Small regional autonomy can also be implemented under the Coalition government, such as towns where ethnic minorities live in concentrated communities. Ethnic minorities should be masters of their own affairs, which is their political right.

Economically speaking, it is impossible not to start now. Xikang, for example, has also experienced a series of problems. First of all, the food problem. Now only three or four thousand people are brought in, and 700 thousand Jin of grain is borrowed at a time. Some progressive elites helped us a lot, not only lent us food, but also the price was reasonable. But it's no good going on like this, and ethnic minorities can't afford it. Another example is market issues, trade issues and financial issues. These economic problems have also been encountered, and if they are not solved, the political foundation will be shaken. Unless the economy is improved, regional ethnic autonomy will be empty talk. Ethnic minorities want to get some benefits from regional autonomy, and a series of economic problems will lead to problems if they are not solved. Chairman Mao decided on two issues in Tibet. The first is to implement regional ethnic autonomy, and the second is to March into Tibet and "eat nowhere". Only by doing these two things well can we solve the Tibet issue and unite and consolidate national defense. These two articles are applicable to all ethnic minority areas. Politics should be based on economy, can it be done without a solid foundation? If we just give people a blank check for regional ethnic autonomy and eat their food, it won't work. We have established a principle for ethnic minority areas, that is, all policies implemented in Han areas, including economic policies, cannot be copied to ethnic minority areas, and we must distinguish which ones can be used, which ones can be used after modification and which ones cannot be used. We should formulate another set of policies in minority areas to serve them sincerely. For example, most ethnic minorities in Guizhou live in mountainous areas. If we can solve the problem of eating salt for them, we will definitely get their support. Another example is that Xikang doesn't have a car yet. How to communicate with the mainland economically, what goods to import from the mainland, how to transport their goods and how to make them profitable should be properly handled. We exchange for equal value in trade, but sometimes we are consciously prepared to lose money. We help ethnic minorities to develop their economies. Trade is a very important part, and economic work should be centered on trade. We are unable to help ethnic minorities organize their trade activities. In trade, we should avoid exploitation among layers and let them suffer less. In this way, the economy will live and their lives will be better. At present, the key is to make them benefit from trade first, and then on this basis, help them gradually develop from agriculture, industry, animal husbandry and commerce.

In terms of culture, there is also a lot of work to be done. We should improve the cultural level of ethnic minorities as soon as possible. We should run some educational undertakings in minority areas and mobilize some people to run schools. Now it's best to run some training courses first, focusing on publicizing ethnic policies. The hardest thing about running a school is that there are no teachers. We either have no money, no other problems, or no one to teach us. There is a shortage of talents in southwest China. If we want to solve this problem, we must establish a college for nationalities as soon as possible to attract some young people to continue their studies. There are also health problems related to culture and education. Health work in minority areas is also very important, where medicines are urgently needed. At present, cultural work should focus on health work, which plays a great role.

All these things, political, economic and cultural, should be done now. In all this work, we must grasp a principle, that is, we must consult with ethnic minorities. They agree to do, agree to part, do part, do most, do all. They must agree, and most people agree, especially the upper class. Don't do it if the upper level doesn't agree, and the upper level agrees. Why? Because in ethnic minority areas, the upper class plays a particularly important role due to historical, political and economic characteristics. There is little progress and little influence in it. This force will have great influence when it develops in the future, but it can't play a decisive role yet. Now everything has to go through their superiors, so they should do more work, discuss more problems, do a good job of unity, and guide and help them move forward step by step. It's no use having a hard time at the top. Some of our comrades often take radical measures, thinking that they can do better without going through the upper echelons. In fact, it is not better, but worse, not faster, but slower, because the resistance is great. We have done a good job of the upper class, promoted their progress and cooperated with us well. In this way, with their help, we must advance our work smoothly in many aspects. Some comrades have misgivings that they will lose their class position and don't know how to behave differently there. What is the correct class position? That is, don't launch class struggle now, and realize national unity. This is called the correct class position. Of course, we don't rely entirely on the upper level, but gradually influence all aspects of our work through them.

By the way, there are some special problems to be solved according to the actual situation. For example, in ethnic minority areas, we have decided not to reduce rent and engage in land reform, but the Miao people in Guizhou demand rent reduction and land reform more urgently than the Han people. The reason is natural, because there are very few landlords among Miao people in Guizhou, and most of them are planted by Han people, and they are on hillsides, and their requirements are very reasonable. If they are not allowed to implement rent reduction and land reform, it will be Han chauvinism, that is, they will not directly take care of their interests. However, such a request may not be agreed by a few landlords in the upper class of the Miao nationality. Therefore, we specifically stipulate that rent reduction and land reform will be implemented for all the land planted by Han landlords, and that rent reduction and land reform will not be implemented if the land planted by Miao landlords, and the solution will be gradually resolved through consultation. In other words, rent reduction and land reform are not completely ignored in ethnic minority areas, but they should be carried out in some areas, but there must be a condition that they have this requirement, not just for a few people, but for most people, not for us to make decisions for them from the outside, but for them to make their own decisions. For another example, in ethnic minority areas, how to implement regional ethnic autonomy and how to form a Coalition government should consider ways and means. It can take the form of holding various representative meetings, which has achieved great results in the mainland. The problem of subjective decision can be avoided by soliciting opinions and discussing and studying at the representative meeting. Sometimes we mean well, but the decisions we make are not correct. But even if the decision is correct, they will object if it is not passed. As long as they are recognized, they will support some decisions even if they have shortcomings.

Finally, talk about work attitude. Our working method is what we just talked about. We discuss everything with them and solve the problem by holding a representative meeting. Our working attitude is seeking truth from facts, honesty and trustworthiness. Recently, we learned that we should honestly respect the customs and habits of ethnic minorities. We should take the initiative to make it clear to them that it is precisely because of different customs and habits that misunderstandings and taboos are easily caused, and people may not know it. We really want to learn some living habits, but we can't learn them at once and we can't help it. Please forgive them. This is called honesty. It's easy to get sympathy. We should adopt this attitude in political work, economic work and cultural work.

The visit of the central ethnic delegation to the southwest this time will definitely help us a lot. Your research and understanding of ethnic minorities is much more than ours. Especially after you go down, you will find many problems by personally contacting the specific situation. We very much hope that comrades will study various problems and give more opinions. Even one-sided opinions are better than no opinions. Now we just have no problem with it. Welcome comrades in this regard. Tell your local comrades how you feel. Some of the following comrades may be subjective, you may be brushed on the nose, or your question has not attracted attention, or you have different views on them, and it is very likely that their views are wrong. Don't be angry when such a thing happens. You can write to us or to comrades in the province, and it will always be solved reasonably. If you have some wrong opinions, we will tell you. In this way, relying on the work of comrades, I believe that we can solve the most complicated and important problem in southwest China-national unity, at least lay a good foundation.