All diplomacy is a continuation of war by other means.

By the time that the Americans left Yan'an many had become convinced that the CCP was "a party seeking orderly democratic growth towards socialism" and the mission formally suggested greater cooperation between the CCP and the American military. In the effort to avoid being persecuted for opposing Mao Zhou passively accepted the political persecution of many others including his own brother. Mao's economic policies in the 1950s had failed and he had developed a lifestyle that was increasingly out of touch with many of his oldest colleagues.

Zhou is best known as the long-time top aide to Mao Zedong specializing in foreign policy. Mao was eager to accelerate history; Zhou was content to exploit its currents. Mao was sardonic; Zhou penetrating.