Chapter 95 Zhou Enlai refused to assist Jiang Qing to take over 1972

Journalist: “Are you considering having Zhou Enlai as your successor?”

Mao: “I was testing his attitude. On the morning of February 12, 1972, after being resuscitated from my cardiopulmonary shock caused by congestive heart failure, I devised a staged act of handing over power while I was still ill. I wanted to gauge Zhou Enlai’s true thoughts and set a trap for him. I summoned Zhou Enlai, with Jiang Qing present as well. I said to Zhou, ‘I am not capable anymore, it’s all up to you.’ Zhou immediately responded, ‘Chairman, your health is not a major issue, we still rely on you.’ I quickly shook my head and said, ‘No, I can’t do it anymore. After I die, everything will be entrusted to you.’ Jiang Qing stood by, her body trembling with nervousness. I added, ‘That’s settled then, you can go ahead and handle it.’ Zhou didn’t say much after that.”

In reality, what I wanted most was for Zhou to respond like this: ‘I suggest that during the Chairman’s illness, Comrade Jiang Qing act as the interim Chairman to preside over the central work, and I will assist Comrade Jiang Qing just as I have assisted the Chairman.’ If Zhou had given me such an answer, I would have intentionally shown some modesty and said, ‘Let Jiang Qing be a liaison officer for transmitting orders.’ Then I would have turned Zhou’s suggestion and instructions into a central document and distributed it throughout the party. I wanted everyone to know that it was Zhou who recommended Jiang Qing as my successor, not me monopolizing power.”

Journalist: “Oh, so you wanted Zhou Enlai to assist Jiang Qing in succeeding as the Chairman?”

Mao: “Yes, unfortunately, after a few days, Zhou solemnly had Zhang Yaoxi report to me, ‘We still need to work under the leadership of the Chairman.’ That made it clear to me that Zhou didn’t appreciate the offer and refused to assist Jiang Qing in taking over. I had no choice but to change my plans and promote Deng Xiaoping instead of Zhou.”