1. Emergent Nationalism in Asia
Chinese Foreign Policy:

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

3. 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

4. From , the Chinese and the Soviets had increasingly conflicting points of views on several important issues

5. 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)

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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