[1] Chen Boda was the editor of the journal,[6] which served as a crucial media outlet during the Cultural Revolution.

For instance, in March 1963 the speech of Palmiro Togliatti, leader of the Italian Communist Party, at the 10th Congress was discussed and evaluated in detail.

[10] In March 1966, the journal established an Academic Criticism Group, comprising Guan Feng [zh], Wang Li, Mu Xin, Qi Benyu, Fan Ruoyu [zh], and Du Jing (Fan Ruoyu and Du Jing were subsequently suspended), resulting in the de facto dissolution of the editorial committee.

On June 18, 1966, Chen Boda arrived to Red Flag to "expose" the publication and suspended Fan Ruoyu and Xu Liqun from their positions.

In June 1969, the majority of Red Flag Magazine's staff had been transferred to the May 7th Cadre School, retaining only 12 personnel responsible for editorial duties.

[1] In 1966, Pol Pot formed a similar magazine with the same name in Cambodia in Khmer, Tung Krahom, modelled on Red Flag.