The “Chongqing Meeting” Controversy: Eleven Allegations and Nationwide Condemnation

On March 17, 1986, following requests submitted by Vice Chairmen Tian Jiemin and Qian Li, the association decided to hold a working meeting in Chongqing to strengthen operations in the eastern Sichuan region. However, the meeting was heavily influenced by the leadership of official photography organizations in Sichuan and Chongqing. According to the record, certain individuals used irregular means—such as obtaining the association’s seal through deception, isolating delegates, changing the meeting agenda, preventing the chairman from attending, and publicly reading an “eleven allegations” statement that had been prepared in advance.

Under circumstances described as physical obstruction at the entrance, the presiding vice chairman suddenly announced “eleven serious errors during Long Xuming’s term,” triggering a strong reaction from delegates. Some representatives protested and withdrew on the spot. Long Xuming entered the venue after being alerted by the deputy secretary-general. The incident later drew joint condemnation from more than thirty provincial photography associations, youth photography associations, and related organizations, including the China Photographers Association.

The situation changed rapidly. The following day, the vice chairman burned the five-page “eleven allegations” document in front of the attendees and publicly apologized to Long Xuming. The record also notes that, strangely, rumors in Chengdu had already circulated that the meeting was intended to remove the chairman even before the working meeting formally convened.