‘Sino-Soviet relations, in the years 1958-69, were undermined primarily by conflicting national interests.’ How far do you agree with this view?
Introduction
It is to a large extent that Sino-Soviet relations, in the years 1958-69, were primarily undermined by conflicting national interests. This is elucidated in factors or events such as Sino-Soviet rivalry over Mongolia, Sino-Soviet border disputes such as Damansky/Chenbao (1969), China’s reaction to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968) among many others. Nevertheless, other factors such as ideological conflict for example competing Soviet and Chinese claims for the leadership of international communism, China’s negative response to Soviet de-Stalinisation, Soviet ‘peaceful coexistence’ versus Mao’s commitment to ‘continuing revolution’ at a time when China was confronting the USA among many others undermined Sino-Soviet relations.
1. Sino-Soviet rivalry over Mongolia
Sino-Soviet rivalry over Mongolia. The Chinese regarded Mongolia in their own sphere of influence, yet Stalin and Khrushchev refused to reduce their ties. Despite the Chinese signing the Treaty of Friendship with the Soviet Union in 1950, the Chinese failed to get an agreement off the Soviets, promising to limit their influence in Mongolia. Obviously, this would generate tension as the Chinese disliked how their power was limited.
2. Sino-Soviet border disputes such as Damansky/Chenbao (1969)
Sino-Soviet border disputes such as Damansky/Chenbao (1969). The Sino-Soviet border was long disputed and each side claimed the island was theirs. In 1969, armed clashes occurred along the Ussuri River – specifically at Damansky Island. Chinese soldiers attacked Soviet guards, causing 30 Soviet casualties. Further clashes resulted in over 600 Chinese deaths compared to just 60 Soviet deaths. The dispute was a direct cause of the split – two