The Brezhnev Era, 1972–1985: The Extent of Détente up to 1979 - Relations with China

Question 1

Timeline of relations with China

Answer 1

• Start of 1970s
- Mao prioritises economic development of China

• 1972
- Nixon’s visit to China ends Sino-US confrontation

• 1976
- Deng Xiaoping succeeds Mao

• December 1978
- China and US agree to the end of US military aid for Taiwan

• 1 January 1979
- Formal diplomatic relations between China and US take effect

• Late January to early February 1969
- Deng visits the US

Question 2

What were Mao’s priorities by the start of the 1970s?

Answer 2

• Economic development of China
• Focused on development, rather than revolution
• Closer links with the USA to facilitate economic development

Question 3

By what year had Mao started to prioritise economic development of China and becoming closer with the US?

Answer 3

• By the start of the 1970s

Question 4

Who was Mao’s successor? When did they succeed Mao?

Answer 4

• Deng Xiaoping

- 1976

Question 5

What did Deng Xiaoping see as most important: economy or revolutionary theory?

Answer 5

• Deng Xiaoping focused more on economics over revolutionary theory, like Mao

Question 6

When did Nixon visit China? What was the significance of this visit?

Answer 6

• 1972

- Ended Sino-US confrontation

Question 7

What was Taiwan’s role in Sino-US relations

Answer 7

• Obstacle to ‘normalisation’ of Sino-American relations was Taiwan
• US’ support for Taiwan blatantly interfered with China’s internal affairs
• In December 1978, US and China agreed to the end of US military aid for Taiwan
• Deng reassured US the Taiwan issue would be resolved peacefully
• From 1 January 1979, formal diplomatic relations would take effect

Question 8

When did the US and China agree to the end of US military aid for Taiwan?

Answer 8

• December 1978

Question 9

When did formal diplomatic relations between China and the US take effect from?

Answer 9

• 1 January 1979

Question 10

When did Deng visit the US?

Answer 10

• Between late January and early February 1979

Question 11

What did Deng and Carter aim to achieve through the normalisation of Sino-American relations?

Answer 11

• Deng
- Give China access to US-dominated global markets

• Carter

• Strengthen US’ ability to manage development of threat of USSR to US interests
• Particularly in Angola and Ethiopia