The Triumph of Communism in China 1945-50: US policy towards China 1945–79

Question 1

Summarise the support the US offered the GMD between 1945-79

Answer 1

• Recognised GMD gov. from 1945
• September 1945 - transported GMD troops to Manchuria
• Supported Chongqing negotiations and creation of coalition gov.
• 1946 - Marshall mission
• Gave GMD financial assistance
• 1949-79 - recognised GMD gov. in Taiwan

Question 2

What did the US anticipate after Japan’s defeat?

Answer 2

• Agreed with USSR and believed that GMD would eventually have power over China after Japan’s defeat
• Both wanted Mao to join coalition gov. with Jiang as a minority

Question 3

What were the US’ concerns after Japan’s defeat?

Answer 3

• Concerned about Soviet influence spreading in south-east Asia
• Thought civil war would give USSR chance to strengthen its position in China

Question 4

What did the US do about concerns it had after Japan’s defeat?

Answer 4

• Pressured Jiang and Mao to compromise

- Airlifted GMD troops to Manchuria and other areas to help GMD take over territory surrendered by Japanese

Question 5

What announcement did Truman make in late 1945?

Answer 5

• Announced in December 1945
• Would continue giving assistance but no military intervention
• Weapons, training etc.

Question 6

When did the Marshall mission occur?

Answer 6

• From late 1945 to spring of 1946

Question 7

What was the Marshall mission?

Answer 7

• Truman sent General Marshall to convince Mao and Jiang to create a coalition gov. (again)
• Failed to negotiate a compromise but established a truce in spring of 1946
• GMD nearing victory in Manchuria but truce allowed CCP to strengthen its forces

Question 8

How did US policy change from 1947?

Answer 8

• Truman rejected proposals of giving further military aid
• 30 July 1949 - China White Paper outlines withdrawal of military aid
• Limits assistance to financial aid, allowing Jiang to purchase weapons from US

Question 9

How did the US offer support to Jiang Jieshi after the PRC’s victory?

Answer 9

• Recognised GMD gov. in Taiwan from 1949-79
• Ensured Jiang had Chinese seat in UN Security Council until 1971
• Continued giving financial aid to Jiang for arms after fleeing to Taiwan