Sino-Soviet Relations: 1920-1960

What role did early Comintern agents Otto Braun and Mikhail Borodin have in the development of the CCP?

• Advisory role during the formation of the 1st United Front (1924-27)

• Development of military strategy during the Civil War

• Direct ideological role in furthering USSR interests in China

• They were not involved directly in Chinese affairs

During what meeting did Mao remove Comintern's influence over the CCP?

• Futian Meeting (1930)

• Zunyi Meeting (1935)

• Shanghai Meeting (1921)

• Jiangxi Meeting (1932)

How did Mao's concept of Communism differ to the USSR's model? Select all that apply

• A revolution did not require an urban proletariat as the peasants were the dominant class (88% of population), which USSR deemed as only a precursor

• Mao focused on fomenting uprisings in urban areas and supporting growing industry

• Mao maintained the laws of the dialectic by following the ordered path that USSR had followed

• It was based on the local situation in China, as he broadened the definition of proletariat to reference an attitude of people who had suffered oppression, not a particular class

Why did Mao distrust of Stalin NOT grow during the Yanan years (1936-48) ?

• Ideological clashes, as Stalin believed that Mao was incapable of achieving genuine revolution

• Politically, USSR continued to support an alliance with the GMD as they viewed them as a stronger ally

• Militarily, USSR supported GMD as they believed that stronger Chinese ally would assist them in halting Japanese aggression

• Economically, USSR had not developed trade agreement with China, limiting their industrial growth

What was the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Alliance (1945) and what did it outline?

• An agreement between GMD and CCP which provided mutual military defence if attacked by the Japanese

• A secret agreement signed with the CCP which stated that they would continue providing direct military support for Communists during the Civil War

• An agreement between GMD and USSR allowing Soviet troops to remain in Manchuria as long as they did not support the CCP and they were required to recognise as legitimate authority

• An agreement between GMD and USSR which handed total control of Chinese Eastern Railway (Manchuria) to USSR in return for them withdrawing support for CCP

Why did Stalin not directly support CCP during the Civil War?

• He did not believe that even with USSR support that the CCP would be successfully in the Civil War

• He did not support Mao's leadership due to differing ideological views

• He believed that salvation for China was possible only from within China itself

• He believed that the US would not support a Communist victory in China and therefore continued to appeal to CCP to come to terms, even if it meant a divided nation

What did the terms of Sino-Soviet Treaty (1950) include?

• China had to give bulk of its bullion reserves to USSR

• Upkeep of 10,000 Soviet economic and military advisors who went to China had to be paid by Chinese

• $300 million Soviet advance was a loan not a gift, PRC had to repay principal with interest

• China and USSR began economic and cultural cooperation whereby free aid and support began following into China

Why did border disputes develop in Manchuria?

• After WWII Soviets occupied Manchuria for 9 months, stripping it of $2 billion of plants and machinery.

• The soviets did not return Manchuria to China and therefore it remained a constant battleground

• The soviets did not support in the CCP removing Japanese control over Manchuria

• USSR gave Manchuria back to China but retained control of key ports, controlling shipping in the area

How did Mao's and Stalin's reactions to the Cold War differ?

• They both reacted in the same way by unconditionally supporting North Korea politically, militarily, and economically throughout the war

• Stalin was hesitant to supporting Communism, whilst Mao was fully committed to support North Korea

• Stalin saw it as an opportunity to become closer allies with China, whilst Mao was wary of fully supporting North Korea in case this angered USA

• Stalin saw it as a great advantage to weaken US whilst not suffering any losses, Mao felt obliged to enter as they feared further US control in Asia

What led to China's direct involvement in the Korean War?

• China was never directly involved but offered PLA volunteers to fight alongside North Koreans

• In June 1950, US forces under UN landed in Korea

• In Oct, 1950 US forces crossed 38th parallel

• Upon the request made by Kim Il Sung in March 1950