Tricky Questions - Containment in Asia

Question 1

When did Stalin sign a treaty with the nationalists in China?

Answer 1

1945 (Treaty of friendship and alliance)

Question 2

Despite signing a treaty with the nationalists the soviet union did what?

Answer 2

• Gave limited assistance to the CCP when negotiations between the KMT and CCP broke down which meant civil war

Question 3

What was in Stalin’s best interests?

Answer 3

• To have a weak China on its border

Question 4

When did it sign the treaty of friendship, alliance and mutual assistance with the PRC?

Answer 4

• February 14th 1950

Question 5

What evidence is there that at one point the USA was moving towards accomodation with the government in Beijing?

Answer 5

It suspended aid to Chiang shek

Question 6

Why was Kennan not concerned with the loss of China?

Answer 6

Not one of the five centres of power!

Question 7

When were Korean elections held in which the north refused to cooperate?

Answer 7

1949 –> The USA had hoped that this would allow them to disengage

Question 8

What were Chinese security aims?

Answer 8

To consolidate survival and autonomy

Question 9

Why was the USA drawn into the Korean conflict?

Answer 9

It had to uphold its Truman doctrine and did not want to appear weak =

• Sending US 7th fleet to the formosa straits (extending US protection to Taiwan
• Goes to UN to as for permission to intervene

Question 10

When did the UN approve the use of force in Korea?

Answer 10

• June 27th 1950 (USSR was boycotting at this time over a decision to expel the Chinese representative

Question 11

Describe Neitz’s NSC ‘68

Answer 11

• 1950, called for build up of US military –> big expansion of defence budget and arms build up