The China White Paper 1949 (XIII)

As early as in 1932, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had already declared 'war' on Japan although they were hiding in Kiangsi resisting the military suppresion initiated by Chiang Kai-shek. It was only in 1936 that CCP officially joined Chiang Kai-shek in a united front to fight the Japanese. KMT's change of attitude towards CCP was caused by the 'Sian Incident' that took place in mid-December. On December 12th, 1936 Chang Hsueh-liang (張學良), a deputy of Chiang, mounted a coup in Sian of Shensi Province and 'arrested' Chiang while the latter was paying a visit there. Chang then issued a circular telegram to demand changes in the KMT. In total there were eight points which included 1) to reorganize the Nanking government 2) to end the civil war with the Chinese Communists, and 3) to resist Japanese intrusion into China. These requests were similar to those points requested by CCP in a telegram issued in early December, 1936. On December 25, after being held in captive for 13 days Chiang was released when some kind of understanding was reached between KMT and CCP. A wartime entente between the KMT and CCP appeared. While officially KMT announced ceasing the policy of suppressing the Communist, the Communist proclaimed the abandonment of anti-Nanking government insurrection. In the following months, Chou En-lai (周恩來) representing CCP negotiated with KMT to work out the conditions for the entente for the purpose of ending the civil war. (to be continued)

Reference:

United States, Department of State. The China White Paper-August 1949. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1967, pages 45-49.