How significant were improved relations with the USA in establishing China as a superpower by the time of Mao’s death?
Level
O LEVEL
Year Examined
2021
Topic
CHINA, c.1930–c.1990
👑Complete Model Essay
How significant were improved relations with the USA in establishing China as a superpower by the time of Mao’s death?
Improved Relations with the USA: A Stepping Stone to Superpower Status?
By the time of Mao Zedong's death in 1976, China had emerged as a significant power on the world stage. While improved relations with the USA played a role in this rise, arguing that it was the most significant factor requires a deeper examination of other contributing elements. This essay will explore both sides of the argument, ultimately concluding that while US relations were beneficial, other factors played a more prominent role in establishing China's superpower status.
Undeniably, the thawing of US-China relations from the 1970s onwards offered undeniable benefits to China. The USA, strategically aiming to isolate the USSR, saw an opportunity in a China that had experienced a dramatic deterioration of relations with the Soviet Union in the 1960s. This culminated in the US National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger's, clandestine visit to China in 1971, followed by the "ping-pong diplomacy" exchange of athletes. These events paved the way for President Nixon's momentous visit in 1972, leading to the signing of the Sino-American trade agreement and a peace treaty. Crucially, this led to the USA recognizing the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the legitimate government of China, effectively sidelining Taiwan and facilitating China's admission to the United Nations in 1971. This recognition on the world stage boosted China's international standing and opened doors to foreign trade and investment.
The economic benefits of this improved relationship cannot be understated. Access to US markets allowed China's burgeoning economy to expand its export market, providing much needed funds to invest in technological enhancements, particularly in the industrial sector. Beyond capital, China benefited from access to US business expertise and technological know-how, further bolstering its economic development. These factors undoubtedly contributed to China's growing economic and, consequently, political influence.
However, to attribute China's rise solely to improved relations with the USA would be a simplification. China's path to becoming a superpower had already been paved with significant developments predating the rapprochement with the USA. The 1950s saw the signing of the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, bringing vital Soviet assistance. This included substantial loans, an influx of experts in various fields, and the transfer of crucial technology, all instrumental in propelling China's First Five-Year Plan and its ambitious industrialization drive. By 1967, China had become a nuclear power, a testament to its growing technological prowess and a clear signal of its rising international stature. This was further reinforced by the development of the world's largest military force, solidifying China's position as a dominant force in Asia.
Moreover, China's influence extended beyond its borders through a network of allies and client states. The "liberation" of Tibet in 1951, though widely condemned as an annexation, demonstrated China's growing assertiveness. Its alliance with North Korea and the subsequent stalemate in the Korean War further showcased China's military capabilities. Furthermore, its decisive defeat of India in the 1962 border war cemented its dominance in the region. Domestically, policies such as the Agrarian Reform Law and the subsequent collectivization of agriculture, while not without their criticisms, consolidated the communist regime's control and paved the way for industrial growth.
In conclusion, while improved relations with the USA after 1971 undoubtedly benefited China's economic growth and international legitimacy, they were not the defining factor in its emergence as a superpower. China's journey towards superpower status was already well underway by the time of Mao's death, largely due to its own internal policies, strategic alliances, and military development. The USA's role, while significant, was more of a catalyst that accelerated China's pre-existing trajectory rather than the sole architect of its rise.
Sources:
CHINA, c.1930–c.1990,History Essay
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Outline
I. Improved relations with the USA aided China's rise to superpower status by:
a) Weakening its alignment with the USSR, who was seen as a rival by the USA.
b) Allowing China to establish diplomatic ties with key countries and enter the United Nations.
c) Facilitating access to Western technology and expertise, boosting economic growth and industrialization.
II. However, the significance of improved relations with the USA is debatable, as China also had key achievements prior to this period:
a) Strong ties with the USSR in the 1950s provided significant aid and support for China's development.
b) China's nuclear capabilities and military strength made it a regional power.
c) Domestic reforms, such as the Agrarian Reform Law and collective farming, stimulated economic growth.
III. Ultimately, the relative significance of improved relations with the USA in establishing China as a superpower remains a complex and nuanced issue, with both positive and negative factors to consider.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
How significant were improved relations with the USA in establishing China as a superpower by the time of Mao’s death?
YES
Improving relations between the USA and China as part of the USA's strategy to side-line the USSR; China's relations had also broken down with the USSR in the 1960s; 1971 saw Kissinger visit China to negotiate trade deals; ping-pong diplomacy; 1972 Sino-American trade agreement and peace treaty signed; USA recognized PRC as legitimate government of China and not Taiwan – admittance into the United Nations; allowed the Chinese economy to increase foreign trade and boosted exports to fund technological enhancements in the industry; access to US business expertise, etc.
NO
More significant – 1950s relationship with USSR; Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship saw Soviet loans of money, experts, and technology to aid the First Five-Year Plan and industrialization; China becomes a nuclear power in 1967; the world's largest military; China dominated its allies and client states such as Tibet; an alliance with North Korea; defeat of India over borders; Agrarian Reform Law and development of collective farming, etc.