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