Sino-Soviet SplitBrooke

BACKGROUND: previous relationship between Soviets and China.

Prior to 1949 Soviets were the undisputed leaders of World Communism. Communist regimes across world were supported and guided by Stalin.

1949: The Chinese revolution offered prospect of rivalry over world communist leader. However, due to Chinese civil war, Japanese occupation and the Korean war it was clear China was the weaker partner. Both powers worked together to fight against capitalist imperialism.

By 1960’s Sino-Soviet relationship had broken down.

Reasons: Old fashioned nationalist dispute over the borders between the two

countries: traced back to 19th century. China resented Stalin’s treatment of its party during its struggle: e.g

Stalin decision to hand Manchuria to Jiang Jieshi during Chinese Civil War. Soviets accused of not fully sharing nuclear technology with China.

Both countries saw themselves as the leader of World communism: Particularly after Stalin’s death Mao Zedong believed to have refilled his

position as leader of world communism. China’s disapproval of Soviets:

Mao accused Khrushchev and other Soviets leaders for going soft on ideology and not supporting the world revolution.

Believed the endorsement of the principles of peaceful coexistence by Khrushchev betrayed Lenin’s ideals.

Khrushchev’s attack on Stalin at the 20th Party Congress in 1956, seen as betrayal of true communism.

Continued deterioration… Brezhnev Doctrine: announced November

1968, gave Soviets right to intervene in other Socialist countries. Mao perceived as threat to Chinese

independence. Conflicting support for North Vietnamese:

Soviets desired an end to the war and a political settlement.

Chinese urged North Vietnam to continue the war and avoid compromise.

Evidence of split ….Ѫ Both powers began acting without consulting the other: e.g.

China’s attack of Taiwan’s islands.Ѫ 1960: Soviet advisors withdrawn from China.Ѫ 1966:

Beijing rejected Soviet invitation to 23rd Party Congress in Moscow in March.

Riot by Chinese troops outside Soviet embassy in Beijing in August. Expulsion of foreign troops from China September. The expulsion of Chinese students from USSR in October.

Ѫ 1969: Developed into a military confrontation. Chinese and Soviet troops clashed along their common border. Confrontation along Siberian/Manchuria front:

Fighting began by Chinese (generally agreed by most historians) over an island in the Ussuri River.

WHY? Each side wanted to discredit the other on world stage, both sides using the incident to prepare their citizens for closer ties with the US.

No desire for war limited military action negotiation.

End of Military Hostilities:

Chou En-Lai met with Soviet negotiators in Beijing on 11th September 1969. By October Chinese had agreed on border

talks with no demands for territory. Agreed that working relationship, despite

ideological differences should be restored. Ambassadors exchanged. Marked end of open hostilities.

Significance of Sino-Soviet Split.- Destroyed Unity of World Communist movement:

communist supporters split into Soviet or Chinese blocs.- China and Soviet Union involved in indirect conflict:

Cambodia: Soviets backed the Vietnamese supported Cambodian regime and as a result China backed the Khmer Rouge. ‘My enemy’s enemy is my friend.’

- US took advantage of Sino-Soviet split: Used split to further extend its aims in the Cold War. As the Chinese began to normalise relations with the West,

Soviets became concerned at being diplomatically isolated. US able to create further divisions between the to powers,

lessening the chance of a Sino-Soviet pact against the US.