Years of Concensus 1964-79: 4 Britain's relations with China and USSR Flashcards
what was the cultural revolution?
a violent movement fiercest between 1966-71, to rid China of all opposition to Mao Zedong (the leader of the PRC). The victims were not restricted to Chinese people. In 1967 the British embassy in Beijing was broken into and set on fire. London 1967, many staff members of the Chinese embassy shouted Mao’s name whilst waving sticks and machetes at the police. (they were safe from arrest due to diplomatic immunity.
what does PRC stand for?
People’s Republic of China
what was the aim of the London episode in 1967?
to cause trouble for Britain over their possession of Hong Kong. Mao wanted to embarrass the British and also sent Chinese terrorists into Hong Kong to create havoc and provoke Britain.
why did Britain’s relations with China improve in the 70s?
USA’s abandonment of its support of Taiwan and the renegotiation of the PRC as the legitimate government of China. President Nixon visited Beijing and Mao Zedong - Britain supported the move.
heath also visited the PRC soon after leaving office where he was warmly welcomed by Communist China.
why did China dislike the USSR?
the USSR implemented a policy of detente and coexistence which they interpreted as a tactic to isolate China internationally. the PRC decided to outplay the USSR and achieve detente with the USA.
what does detente and coexistence mean?
an easing of antagonisms and a mutual recognition of each side’s right to live in its own way.
why was Britain suspicious of the USSR?
during the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and Afghanistan n 1979 the USSR were determined to maintain a grip on satellites.
also evidence to suggest that East European dissidents were being hunted in Britain such as Georgi Markov (an anti-Soviet Bulgarian) who was killed in London after being shot with a pellet laced with poison.
