As we all know, the full name of our country is "The People's Republic of China", and people are more accustomed to calling it affectionately China, but few people know that before the founding of the People's Republic of China, someone had made reservations " The abbreviation of "Republic of China". It was the arguments of Situ Meitang and others that made everyone give up this idea.
So, what is Situ Meitang’s identity? How did he change people's minds?
In 1949, after the arduous struggle of the People's Liberation Army, they finally defeated the Kuomintang headed by Chiang Kai-shek. With Chiang Kai-shek's defeat in Taiwan, the preparations for the establishment of New China were also put on the agenda.
But there are still various problems that come with it. The first one is what should be the name of New China. To address this issue, our country held a political consultative meeting.
Many of the people attending this meeting were not soldiers who led the army in the Northern and Southern Wars. Most of them were democrats outside the party. They seemed to be incompatible with the members of the Communist Party of China, which made people suspicious. , someone even asked Chairman Mao directly.
Faced with these confusions, Chairman Mao said that the victory of New China was not solely due to the Communist Party of China. During our most difficult times, these non-party people all gave a helping hand, no matter what. Which faction they belong to, but they all sincerely hope that China will become stronger.
We should build a democratic country, so we must start from ourselves. This meeting involves a wide range of people and should have their participation, but everyone can rest assured that our country still adheres to the independent The leadership of the party can never change.
After listening to Chairman Mao’s explanation, everyone finally felt relieved and devoted themselves to various matters of the meeting.
In June 1949, the first Political Consultative Conference was officially held in Zhongnanhai. After everyone's discussion, the name of New China was tentatively decided as "The People's Democratic Republic of China."
This name won unanimous praise from everyone. Since this question was a good start, the next few questions did not consume too much energy. However, on the last day of the meeting, someone raised Different opinions.
The person who raised the objection was Zhang Xiruo. He was a professor from Tsinghua University with a high level of education. When he had decided on the name of New China, he vaguely felt that something was wrong, but he could not tell it at the time. What reason.
But when I discussed it with my colleagues later, everyone felt that this name was not very good, but why was it so bad? No one could tell.
Just like this, Zhang Xiruo thought about it for several days. When everyone was discussing the legal terms today, he suddenly had an idea and knew something was wrong.
He said that the name was too long and a little cumbersome to read. It would be better if "democracy" was removed.
But when Zhang Xiruo raised this point, Zhang Zhirang also expressed his opinion. He felt that the name was indeed a bit long, but he did not agree to remove "democracy" because the core of our country is democracy, so he felt "*** and" should be removed.
The two held different opinions, and people at the scene could not tell whether the "People's Republic of China" or the "People's Democratic Republic of China" was better.
Since everyone did not have a unified result, they could only compile a written report, write down their reasons clearly, and let the superiors decide.
When Dong Biwu saw the report, he attached great importance to it. He had a heated discussion with others. On the basis of these two names, someone suggested that we could tentatively call it "China "People's Democratic Republic" will be changed to "Socialist Democratic Republic of China" after the country fully enters socialism.
But Dong Biwu rejected this idea. He felt that this was a very serious matter and must not be changed. Therefore, no results were obtained this time and could only hold another meeting, led by Zhang Xiruo and Zhang Zhirang elaborated on his opinions respectively.
In addition to describing the previous reasons, Zhang Xiruo also said that "people" and "democracy" have caused duplication and are not pleasant to read, while "the People's Republic of China" All connotations are included.
In the end, after discussion, everyone finally decided to adopt Zhang Xiruo’s idea. The name of New China was “The People’s Republic of China”. Facts have proved that this name is catchy.
After this matter was successfully concluded, the next problems were all solved. Some people also proposed to use "Republic of China" as the abbreviation of New China to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen.
While the central leaders were considering it, Guo Moruo and others submitted a motion, which probably stated that the abbreviation of New China must not be the Republic of China.
The proposal stated that the Republic of China has lost its original meaning and was used by Chiang Kai-shek’s group of “traitors and traitors”. It has no feelings at all in the hearts of the Chinese people. Now that New China has been established, You should draw a clear line from the past.
Not only that, they also suggested that the Republic of China be erased from all official documents of New China. Their words were very fierce, and their dissatisfaction with the Republic of China could be seen.
After reading this proposal, Premier Zhou attached great importance to it and immediately called other leaders to discuss the matter.
In the eyes of Premier Zhou and others, this matter must be handled properly, because some older democrats have deep feelings for the Republic of China. Although everyone scorns Chiang Kai-shek, they still have deep feelings for the Republic of China. Mr. Sun Yat-sen respects him very much.
If this matter is not handled well, it will definitely arouse the dissatisfaction of these democrats. During the Communist revolution, they helped us a lot, and we cannot let them feel cold.
Thinking of this, Premier Zhou immediately wrote several invitations and invited a dozen older democrats to discuss it together. Among the people invited was Situ Meitang.
Situ Meitang is a well-known patriotic overseas Chinese leader. He was born in poverty and worked in the society at a very young age. In order to protect himself, he also learned some martial arts.
At that time, China was poor and weak, and was invaded by foreign countries. Westerners had a very noble status in our country, and they could bully the Chinese wherever they went.
In 1886, Situ Meitang was working in a small restaurant. A Westerner broke into the shop and was about to leave after eating and drinking. When a worker boldly stepped forward to ask for food money, he was arrested. He pushed him away and punched and kicked the worker.
Situ Meitang, who couldn't stand it anymore, stood up despite everyone's dissuasion and relied on his own skills to beat the unreasonable scoundrel to death, but the scoundrel died unexpectedly.
At this time, Situ Meitang was almost executed by the foreigners, but it was only after the restaurant owner and others rescued him that he was sentenced to ten months' imprisonment.
After being released from prison, Situ Meitang worked in various jobs, but was always bullied. He understood that if he wanted to live well in this society, he must be capable.
So when he was in the United States, he established the "An Liang Tang" to rectify those unreasonable people. An Liang Tang developed very quickly, and Situ Meitang's status also increased.
After returning to China, he met Mr. Sun Yat-sen and strongly agreed with his theory of national salvation. He also launched an anti-Japanese and national salvation movement.
After the September 18th Incident, Situ Meitang realized that all Chinese should unite to resist foreign aggression. Although he could not go to the battlefield, he successively raised funds for our country’s war of resistance. 14 million US dollars.
Situ Meitang has made many contributions to the Anti-Japanese War. Although he is not a member of the Communist Party, he can be regarded as a real hero.
In addition, when Situ Meitang was in China, he also visited Premier Zhou. The conversation between the two was very pleasant, and Premier Zhou had a very good impression of him.
With this in mind, Premier Zhou also invited Situ Meitang to participate in this meeting.
On September 26, 1949, several people came to the Six Nations Hotel together. Premier Zhou said straight to the point: "The country's name for New China has been determined, but some people suggested that the Republic of China be the country's name. The abbreviation is short, but there are still some people who are firmly opposed to it.
You are all highly respected seniors and have special feelings for the Republic of China, so I have called you here this time to discuss whether or not we should. This is the abbreviation of New China."
Everyone present had heard about the debate on this issue. They were also looking forward to the results, but they did not expect that Premier Zhou would invite them to discuss it, and they felt a sudden feeling in their hearts. Very pleased.
During the discussion, everyone had different opinions. At this time, Huang Yanpei said that his opinion was that the abbreviation of "Republic of China" should be retained.
This is the great reform made by Mr. Sun Yat-sen after he led the revolution and overthrew the Qing government. Although the results were stolen by others, this name can be regarded as a kind of commemoration.
Moreover, after so many years, ordinary people are more familiar with this name. If it is changed to something else, everyone may not be used to it.
After a pause, Huang Yanpei continued: "This CPPCC meeting is held every three years. We can try it first. If it doesn't work, we can change it later."
Huang Yanpei also participated in the Revolution of 1911 when he was young and had deep feelings for the Republic of China. Everyone understood this. After listening to his words, many people nodded in agreement.
He Xiangning also echoed: "This idea is very good, and countless soldiers have exchanged the flag of the Republic of China. If the abbreviation of New China is still this, it will also have commemorative significance for them."
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As soon as these words came out, almost everyone nodded in agreement. Seeing this situation, Situ Meitang frowned. Just as he was about to speak, Zhou Shanpei stood up.
Zhou Shanpei said fiercely: "I firmly disagree!" Then he said that the title of the Republic of China is indeed a great masterpiece of Mr. Sun Yat-sen, but it has been made infamous by Chiang Kai-shek over the years. We can't use this name.
At this time, Situ Meitang also stood up excitedly and said: "I support Zhou Shanpei's opinion." Then he said, "I can be considered a person who has experienced the Revolution of 1911, but I have no respect for the 'Republic of China' 'There is no emotion at all. It's nothing more than anything else, because in people's minds today, the Republic of China is no longer what Mr. Sun Yat-sen imagined. Instead, when he mentions this, he thinks of Chiang Kai-shek.
China**. The revolution led by the Communist Party is completely different from the Revolution of 1911. We cannot deny the greatness of the Revolution of 1911, but we must also distinguish it from the Chinese Revolution, so we must not use the name of the Republic of China.
< p> As the saying goes: "If the name is not right, the words will not be right." We are now the victors. If the name is right, we must draw a line from before. I insist on disagreeing with Huang Yanpei's opinion. I think we should call it "the People's Republic of China and the People's Republic of China". "That's it."Situ Meitang's words were impassioned. After he finished speaking, there was a round of warm applause. Everyone agreed with his words and supported not calling the abbreviation of our country the Republic of China.
But some people still have opinions. Shen Junru said that from a legal perspective, abbreviations are not used in the legal provisions of various countries, so our country does not need to use abbreviations. Just use your own name openly. .
As a country, we will definitely have contacts with other countries, so there is a need for translation. If we really use abbreviations, it will be less convenient to communicate with other countries in the future and sign friendly contracts. convenient.
On the other hand, due to the relatively large influence of the Republic of China, there are still people who are familiar with it, but we don’t need to stop it too much, we just need to guide it slowly.
Shen Junru is a legal expert, and his explanation is very pertinent. After finishing speaking, everyone finally reached an agreement and gave up the abbreviation.
Premier Zhou participated in the entire discussion, but did not express an opinion. After everyone's discussion, he became clearer about everyone's thoughts.
At the end, Premier Zhou said that everyone's opinions have certain validity. Our country is a democratic country and will definitely consider everyone's opinions. Please look forward to the results.
In the end, after comprehensive discussion, everyone decided to abandon the abbreviation of "Republic of China". However, this does not mean that the great feat of the Revolution of 1911 has been forgotten. It is just based on the actual situation. It is no longer consistent with our country. national conditions.
At this point, the final name of our country is "The People's Republic of China", and the "Republic of China" has completely withdrawn from the stage of history.