After the Xi’an Incident, Zhang Xueliang was placed under house arrest by Chiang Kai shek for 54 years, and it was not until 1991 that his personal freedom was restored. Why did he not return to his homeland after regaining his freedom?
On March 10, 1991, Zhang Xueliang was allowed to visit his family in the United States and publicly expressed his intention to return to the mainland of China for family visits. After the central government learned about it, they sent someone to invite Zhang Xueliang back to the mainland, and the person sent was Lu Zhengcao, an old subordinate of Zhang Xueliang.
Before going to the United States, Deng Yingchao had a detailed discussion with Lv Zhengcao at the Central South Haixi Flower Hall and wrote a personal letter to Zhang Xueliang in his personal name:
Mr. Yingchao has been away from his hometown for many years, and his relatives and friends have been eagerly looking forward to it. It is difficult to express his words. Fortunately, in recent years, the barriers between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have gradually receded, and the exchanges have been increasing. It is also winter and spring, and the weather is warm, which is suitable for a trip to his hometown. Now, entrusted by Mr. Deng Xiaoping, Yingchao is willing to sincerely invite Mr. and Mrs. Yingchao to visit mainland China at a convenient time. He can visit his hometown, visit tombs, visit relatives, go sightseeing, reminisce about old times, or settle down. Mr. Yingchao is expected to show his respect to him, so that he can Make proper arrangements. Greetings to your wife, Ms. Zhao
On May 29, 1991, Zhang Xueliang and Lv Zhengcao, two elderly people, met again after decades of separation. They had a one-hour long private conversation.
Lv Zhengcao handed over Deng Yingchao’s handwritten letter, and Zhang Xueliang saw Deng Yingchao’s handwritten letter and was deeply moved. Using a magnifying glass, place the blurred eyes close to the letter paper and repeatedly read it twice. Then, he said passionately to Lv Zhengcao, “I am familiar with Zhou Enlai and this person is very good. Please give my regards to Ms. Deng
Deng Yingchao later wrote three consecutive letters. Every time Zhang Xueliang saw Deng Yingchao’s letter, he was very excited and filled with emotions, but he politely declined the invitation.
Many people speculate that there are several reasons why Zhang Xueliang did not return to the mainland.
Firstly, the Zhang family lost the opportunity to visit relatives in mainland China due to illness. Zhang Xueliang did indeed suffer from various diseases in his later years, but most of his symptoms gradually improved, which should not be the fundamental reason why Zhang Xueliang was unable to return to the mainland.
Secondly, some people say that Marshal Zhang Xueliang dared not return home due to fear of the Japanese Emperor. But in an interview, Zhang Xueliang said, “If possible, I would like to go to Japan again to see it. Perhaps it’s because I’m getting older and thinking more about what New Japan looks like, and I want to see it with my own eyes.” So this is not the reason why Zhang Xueliang doesn’t return to the mainland.
Thirdly, the obstruction of Zhang Xueliang’s wife Zhao Yidi. The reason why Zhao Yidi has publicly stated multiple times that she does not want Zhang Xueliang to return to the mainland is not as rumored, but because she has no feelings for her hometown and motherland. On the contrary, Zhao Yidi’s love for his motherland and hometown is no less profound than that of the Commander in Chief. She once said, “He (referring to Zhang Xueliang) even needs to use a wheelchair to walk now, can he still travel long distances by plane?” She stopped mainly because she was worried about Zhang Xueliang’s health.
Fourthly, the Taiwanese authorities have restricted Zhang Xueliang’s return to mainland China.