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| 1957, May 1–June 7 |
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| Mao stated that even in a Communist state, “contradictions” existed between rulers and the ruled. Calling for freer expression, he also declared, “Let a hundred flowers bloom, let a hundred schools of thought contend.” The Hundred Flowers Campaign commenced. Numerous intellectuals voiced widespread grievances against the state and were largely critical of interference by state and party functionaries in academic, literary, and artistic realms. | 1 |
| The response was so forceful that Mao and the CCP immediately began an “anti-rightist” campaign to punish those who had spoken out. Many disappeared into labor camps or the countryside. By December, this campaign became a full-fledged movement. | 2 |
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| May 11 |
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| The foreign ministry declared that future installations of Matador missile units in Taiwan by the U.S. were to be interpreted as an “act of war.” | 3 |
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| June 12 |
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| The government press printed the partial texts of Mao Zedong's speeches delivered in February and March. Mao had reported the “liquidation” of 800,000 persons in the PRC from 1949 to 1954. | 4 |
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| June 17 |
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| The government revealed its tentative decision to withdraw its cadres from Tibet. | 5 |
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