In 1976, a series of emergencies in China attracted the attention of the world. Premier Zhou Enlai passed away on January 8, and Chairman Zhu De also passed away at the age of 90 on July 6. On July 28, a massive earthquake shocked the world and reduced Tangshan to ruins. At 4 p.m. on September 9, China National Radio announced with great sadness that Mao Zedong, the great leader and mentor of the Chinese people, passed away in Beijing at 0:10 a.m. that day. Within 15 minutes after the news was announced, the world's major news agencies, including Reuters, Associated Press and AFP, reported the news of Mao Zedong's death. Immediately afterwards, the world's major media published and reprinted a large number of comments and articles praising Mao Zedong and introducing Mao Zedong's revolutionary deeds. Some newspapers in third world countries even used more than ten pages to publish articles and photos introducing Mao Zedong. Governments and international organizations around the world have also responded to this. Flags were flown at half-mast in 53 countries, and leaders of various countries spoke highly of him
After Mao Zedong passed away, praise and condolences for him poured in from all over the world. A reporter once wrote: "At this sad moment of 4 p.m. on September 9, it seemed that the earth had stopped rotating." In the 10 days after his death, 123 governments and heads of state sent messages to China. The government sent telegrams or letters of condolences, leaders of 105 countries or their representatives visited the Chinese embassy to express condolences, flags were flown at half-mast in 53 countries, and commemorative activities were also held at many international institutions and international conferences.
With a speed rarely seen in history, the United Nations headquarters lowered its flags at half-mast on the day of Mao Zedong’s death. When UN Secretary-General Waldheim spoke at the UN General Assembly, he praised Mao Zedong's great achievements: "Mao was a great political thinker, philosopher and poet" and "his courage and determination to realize his ideals will continue to encourage the world in the future." generation after generation." The United Nations General Assembly spoke highly of Mao Zedong as "the most heroic figure of our time" and "he changed the course of world history."
After Mao Zedong’s death, the governments of most developed countries gave Mao Zedong high praise. In his condolence message on the 9th, US President Ford praised Mao Zedong's works for leaving a profound mark on human culture. He believed that "Mao was a giant in modern Chinese history, and his impact on history will go far beyond China's borders." Secretary of State Kissinger said in his characteristic style: "My children talk about pop music singers having a certain This kind of "trembling current", I admit that I am unaware of it, but Mao Zedong sent out a "trembling current" of strength, power and will." Federal German Chancellor Schmidt also praised Mao Zedong. He said, "Mao Zedong is. "One of the creators of world historical development is the person who pointed out the way to a new future for the Chinese people." Australian Prime Minister Fraser believes that "the emerging China is his permanent monument."
Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Miki said: "Mao left great achievements in history as a great statesman in the world." Foreign Minister Takeo Fukuda commented with admiration: "No matter what he is, No amount of praise can be overstated." Former U.S. President Richard Nixon also quoted the latter when he evaluated Mao Zedong.