Epstein: a Witness Views the CPC

In China, there is such a special group of people: They came from different countries, but they joined the Chinese people in participating in China's revolution and construction to which they have dedicated their whole lives; they cherish deep feelings for China, some of them have acquired Chinese nationality and have even become members of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Eighty-six-year-old veteran Israel Epstein is one of them.

Epstein was born in Poland, in 1917 he followed his parents to emigrate to China, he joined the CPC in 1964. On the occasion when the CPC was celebrating its 80th birthday and the whole nation is studying General Secretary Jiang Zemin's "July 1" speech, Epstein came to the Friendship Hotel by wheel chair to take part in the "July 1" discussion meeting of some veteran foreign experts. After the two-hour forum, Epstein was interviewed by reporters, he is still clear-headed and quick-witted, talking endlessly with the reporters for nearly one hour.

He told the reporters that he had got a very profound impression on the two 80 years before and after the founding of the CPC, the first 80 years ranged from the Opium War (1840-42) to the establishment of the CPC (1921), the second 80 years extended from the founding of the CPC up to the present. He said he was growing up in China, during the first 80 years, he heard and saw with his own eyes the invasion of foreign powers, the confused fighting among warlords and the misery sustained by the Chinese people. In the second 80 years, the CPC led the Chinese people in national liberation and socialist construction, overcoming hardships and setbacks, and winning one victory after another. "I deeply feel without the progressive movements launched by the Communist Party, there would have been no New China; without Communist Party leadership, it would be impossible to build China into a powerful country." This witness of the CPC drew his own conclusion.

Epstein spoke highly of the Party's three generations' main leaders: Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin for their historic contributions to China's revolution, construction and development. He said he had seen these three leaders. Without Mao Zedong, there would have been no victory for Chinese revolution. Of course, he has never doubt about the final victory in Chinese revolution, But Mao Zedong was a decisive figure, without him, the victory of Chinese revolution wouldn't have been won so quickly; China's economic development was a matter after liberation, just as everybody has seen, without the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, it would have been impossible for China's rapid economic growth; Jiang Zemin, representing the leading collective of the new generation, has paid attention to the development trends of global science and technology, he upholds the policy of rejuvenating the country through science and education and has been leading China in achieving new victories.

At present, the world and China are experiencing tremendous changes. As regards how to adapt to this major change, Epstein put forward his own proposals and views. He said that along with China's development and the acceleration of the urbanization process, many villagers have left their hometowns for the cities to earn their living, their status in this society has changed, while some of them have become well-off, others have not, the government has paid attention to this problem and is trying to solve it, that is very good.

He explained the break-up of the former Soviet Union doesn't imply the failure of socialism, because there were various internal and external reasons for the disintegration. After having summed up the experiences and lessons of the international communist movement and of its own, the CPC has been leading the people in building socialism with Chinese characteristics, China has achieved successes and has thus enjoyed a high reputation, China is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations, and it will soon become a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Epstein said with emotion, "I'm full of confidence in China's development and future and in the cause of the CPC."

His serious and vivid words infected everybody present, enabling them to see Epstein's heart of fervency and sincerity.



The above is the text of an exclusive interview with veteran expert Israel Epstein by our reporters Wu Yingchun and Luo Chunhua, which is published on Page 3 of People's Daily on July 13.


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