A summary of Mao's comments to Edgar Snow concerning Taiwan, Kinmen (Quemoy), and Matsu (Mazu), as well as China's legal status at the UN.

The PRC Minister of Defense urges the Nationalists in Taiwan to be careful and guard their authority from the Americans. He argues that the United States is trying to forcibly create "Two Chinas."

The PRC Minister of Defense writes to members of the People's Liberation Army in Fujian province during the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, calling for them to stop shelling Kinmen and observe the situation. He argues that the United States should not interfere in China's Civil War.

During the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, the PRC Minister of Defense urges the Nationalists to negotiate with the CCP, arguing that the Americans will eventually abandon them.

Mao speaks about the strategy behind the bombardment of nationalist-controlled Kinmen Island in the Taiwan Strait, stating that Taiwan is a "is a steel noose and it ties America’s neck."

Mao Zedong speaks about American foreign policy and the tense international situation following the Chinese decision to begin shelling Kinmen Island in the Taiwan Strait.

Wu Lengxi, a member of the CCP Central Committee, recalls events in August 1958 when Chinese Communist forces along the Fujian coast began an intensive artillery bombardment of the Nationalist-controlled Jinmen Island. He recalls a Politburo Standing Committee meeting in which Mao states that the bombardment was in part motivated by events in the Middle East.

Zhou Enlai requests and gives deadlines for the sending of aviation equipment and personnel from Moscow, mentioning that China is anticipating military conquests of the Zhoushan and Kinmen islands.