Transition to Socialism 1952-62 12. Foreign Affairs

Question 1

What was the significance of the end of the Korean War in 1952?

Answer 1

• Agreed the divide of Korea with new demilitarised zone at the 38th parallel
• Mao Said they had stood up to USA and called their WMDs ‘paper tigers’
• Led more communist movements worldwide and at the Bandung conference China said they would be neutral in the cold war creating a third world.
• 900,000 Chinese troops were killed

Question 2

What were relations like with Taiwan and USA?

Answer 2

• A mutual defence treaty was signed which guaranteed protection of Taiwan in 1954,
• USA missiles were placed in Tiawan, trading Ban was placed on China
• Foreign Secretary of USA (Dulles) refused to shake Zhou Enlai’s hand.

Question 3

What were relations like with USSR?

Answer 3

• Stalin dies and is succeeded by Khrushchev who denounces him with a secret speech in 1956, this causes revolts in eastern Europe and Mao fears the same in China. Mao criticises His policy of peaceful co-existence with the west
• Mao rejects USSR offer of Soviet-Sino joint navel fleet as he believes it’s an attempt to control the navy.
• Quemoy Crisis in 1958 when Mao wants to bomb Tiawan Strait, leads the USA to prepare to war with China, Mao withdraws and blames the USSR for not supporting
• 1960 USSR withdraw technical experts and criticise Mao’s GLF
• In 1961 China send financial assistance to Albania against the Iron Curtain in Europe, 1962 the relations collapse.