Emergent Nationalism in Asia Chinese Foreign Policy: 1950-1989

OVERVIEW In this lesson we examine: Reasons for the Sino-Soviet split The context and significance of Nixon’s 1972 visit

The Sino-Soviet Split Prior to Stalin’s death in 1953, the Sino-Soviet relationship was marked by several key features: Different interpretations of Marxism Treaty of Friendship and Alliance - Soviet economic aid Common strategic interests – Korean War

From 1953-1959, the Chinese and the Soviets had increasingly conflicting points of views on several important issues

Soviet view Chinese view Leadership of international socialism The Soviets were the first and most powerful communist state Mao and the CCP were the new vision of communism Stalin’s reputation Many of Stalin’s policies were denounced Mao disagreed with Khrushchev’s de-Stalinization Economic planning Gradual progress Great Leap Forward Nuclear technology To be administered exclusively by the USSR Should be shared among communist states Relations with the West “peaceful co-existence” Active vigilance (Korea and Vietnam Wars)

Why might Mao have been specifically concerned with Khrushchev’s stance on Stalinism?

After 1959, China became divided from the Soviet Union in several instances: 1960: USSR withdrew advisors and technical knowledge 1961: China supported Albania against Soviet influence 1969: Small border skirmishes 1978: USSR supported Vietnam’s invasion of China’s ally, Cambodia

Nixon’s 1972 visit Context question: By the early 1970’s, why might China have considered friendlier relations with the US? What was happening domestically? “The Chinese People's Liberation Army is the great school of Mao Zedong Thought” 1969

In 1971, the US did not veto China’s entry to the UN, and in 1972, President Nixon visited China. What did each side gain as a result of normalized relations? Economic and technological cooperation Mutual cooperation against the USSR Compromises on security: Vietnam and Japan

How might the Soviets have responded to improving relations between China and the US?

1982: Brezhnev made friendly overtures to China 1984: Andropov visited China to arrange economic agreements 1985: Soviets withdrew major forces from near the Chinese border 1989: Gorbachev visited China

SUMMARY QUESTIONS What was the nature of the relationship between the Soviet Union and China before Stalin’s death in 1953? What were the major causes and effects of the Sino-Soviet split? Why did China seek improving relations with the US and what was their impact? “If people don't attack us, we will not attack them, if they attack us, we will surely attack them” 1970