Recall what happens between Chairman Mao and Forrest in Chapter 9.

On a bus trip that Forrest takes, Chairman Mao swims for photographers in the Yangtze River to show his virility far into old age. Forrest sees Mao drowning and takes action, jumping in and finding him under water. Forrest is treated as a hero by the Chinese but is criticized by Mr. Wilkins for saving the U.S.'s greatest enemy.