Mao Zedong’s Information Sources for Understanding the International Situation: A Preliminary Study (1956–1965)

Between 1956 and 1965, Mao Zedong’s evolving understanding of the international situation and China’s role on the world stage shaped an international outlook with substantial global impact. Research on Mao’s international outlook centers on his acquisition and analysis of information. Mao accessed international information mainly through two sources: reports from PRC and CPC agencies, and information obtained from foreign interactions. Mao’s main focus included information about the Soviet Union, other socialist countries, neighboring and developing nations, internal developments in Western capitalist countries, interstate relations, and global assessments of China. After reviewing international information, Mao issued instructions and forwarded them, along with the information, to relevant parties. His goals were to facilitate specific tasks, unify perspectives on the international situation, and strengthen confidence in China’s development path. Mao’s approach to acquiring and using international information relied on the efficiency of party operations and his personal authority and influence. His international outlook, shaped by this information, also carried a distinct ideological tone.