China's national and military interests Flashcards
During 1958, what difference emerged between the USSR and China?
Differences emerged over nuclear positions and the position of Taiwan.
In July 1958, what did Khrushchev propose?
Joint Russian-Chinese control over China’s nuclear porgramme
What did Khrushchev’s proposal mean?
In practice, China’s nuclear weapons could only be used with Soviet authorisation
How did Mao feel about Khrushchev’s proposal?
Believed it was patronising and felt the USSR was being slow to share its nuclear secrets
What began in September 1958?
China began a second bombardment of Taiwan
How did Khrushchev react to China’s bombardment of Taiwan?
Khrushchev refused to support it as he feared that confrontation between China and Taiwan could drag their allies, the USSR and USA, into a nuclear war
What did Khrushchev attempt to do to persuade Mao to end the attack on Taiwan?
Agreed to share Russia’s nuclear secrets with China
Offered to send China a sample bomb
What happened to Khrushchev’s attempt to persuade Mao in January 1959?
Khrushchev changed his mind, proposing a Pacific atom-free zone, which would mean China abandoning its nuclear programme
What did the Second Taiwan Crisis make Mao believe about Khrushchev?
Khrushchev could not be relied on to advance China’s strategic interests
Khrushchev was in favour of compromise with capitalism rather than revolution
What did Khrushchev think about the Second Taiwan Crisis?
Mao had acted rashly, risking nuclear war in his desire to conquer Taiwan
