The Peaks of Guilin

The day was April 26, 1980. My fifth visit to China was already more than half complete. We drove from the city of Guilin to a village called Yangdi and then walked for a while along a narrow path through a bamboo forest to a pier on the shore of the Li River. …

In contrast with the poetry of the verdant landscape outside, a tense discussion continued onboard the boat. … 

Some members of the Chinese delegation did not think favorably of my visits to both [China and the Soviet Union] to promote friendship. They told me that although I was building a bridge between China and Japan, if I continued to visit the Soviet Union, Japan’s relationship with China would be seen as disingenuous. They would prefer that I did not visit the Soviet Union.

While I appreciated their frank opinion, I could not agree. I said: “I understand your sentiment. The times, however, are changing rapidly. Before the 21st century, we must set the course for all humanity in the direction of peace. This is not a time for powerful nations to be caught up in mutual enmity and hatred. Eliciting good from one another to build harmony and supporting one another to create a new era—such humanistic approaches are what is most needed.” …

I continued speaking in earnest: “I love China dearly. China is so important. At the same time, I love humanity. Thinking of humanity as a whole is essential. The Soviet leadership gave me a promise that they would never attack China, which I related to the Chinese leadership. My sole wish is for friendship between your two countries. I sincerely hope that you will someday understand my thoughts and feelings.”