On May 1, 1950, the 56-day battle of Hainan Island ended successfully. The liberation of Hainan Island accumulated a lot of experience in landing on the island for our army, and the liberation of Taiwan Island was also put on the agenda. In fact, as early as 1948, our army had plans to liberate Taiwan Island.
At that time, even if he was sent to be the secretary of the Taiwan Provincial Party Committee, Chairman Mao personally recommended a calligrapher to be the secretary of the Taiwan Provincial Party Committee. This person is Shu Tong, who is known as the "people's calligrapher", why did Chairman Mao recommend him? Can a calligrapher do it well?
Shu Tong's calligraphy attainments is indeed very high. His calligraphy works are still popular at home and abroad. Chairman Mao, who is also a master of calligraphy, has a high evaluation of Shu Tong's calligraphy, calling him " Red Army calligrapher" and "calligrapher on horseback". His calligraphy is called "Shuti".
There is a story behind these titles. Shu Tong is from Dongxiang County, Jiangxi Province. He was born in a poor farmer's family. He cherished the hard-won opportunity to study. After participating in the revolution, he still did not forget to study. He joined the party in 1926 and later worked underground in Shanghai.
In September 1930, Shu Tong joined the Red Army and served as secretary of the Political Department of the Red 4th Army and director of the Political Department of the Red 10th Division. Later, he followed the main force, Long March . When there was no paper or pen on the Long March, he picked up branches to practice calligraphy, and gestured on his legs when he rode a horse.
Once, Shu Tong was riding a horse and writing, and it happened to be seen by Chairman Mao who was passing by. Seeing that Shu Tong loved calligraphy so much, he couldn't help but praise him as "a calligrapher on the horse's back". After Chairman Mao said this, Shu Tong's title spread.
Shu Tong has indeed high calligraphy attainments. He is known as the successor and pioneer of China's calligraphy industry. Chairman Mao also called him "a pen in the Red Army calligrapher and a pen in the party." Ms. He Xiangning also said: "There are two pens in the country. The Kuomintang has Yu Youren, and the Communist Party has Shu Tong. I prefer Shu Tong."
But if you only regard Shu Tong as a calligrapher, it would be a big mistake. She is engaged in political work and even commands wars. Shu Tong is a good player and a person who can stand alone. Shu Tong has experienced five anti-"encirclement and suppression" operations in the Soviet area and has rich practical experience.
During the War of Resistance Against Japan, he served as the secretary-general of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters and the director of the Political Department of the Jin-Cha-Hebei Military Region. During the War of Liberation, he served as the director of the Political Department of the Third Field Army and assisted Su Yu in commanding many battles. Shu Tong has participated in the familiar Lunan Battle , Jinan Battle and Crossing the River Battle .
It is based on Shu Tong's work ability, understanding politics and military, and being a talent who can stand on his own. Chairman Mao recommended him to be the Secretary of the Taiwan Provincial Party Committee. Unfortunately, after the start of the Battle of Resistance and Aid Korea, the liberation of Taiwan was postponed, and Shu Tong naturally could not take office.
In 1954, after soliciting Shu Tong's opinions, Shu Tong was transferred to Shandong as the top leader. He worked in Shandong for 4 years. Later, during a special period, Shu Tong suffered an impact and was treated wrongly. It was not until September 1979 that he was completely rehabilitated and his reputation was restored.
In September 1982, Shu Tong was elected as a member of the Central Advisory Committee on Twelve National Congress . Shu Tong lived his own life in his later years until he died of illness on May 27, 1998 at the age of 93.
