Background Context

• Part 2 continuation from Part 1 discussion of Taiwan crisis
• Taiwan crisis ended with retention of "one China" concept
• Early Soviet-Chinese Communist Party relations: initially "best buds" after honeymoon period
• Tensions developed leading to sino-soviet split - major geopolitical event of second half 20th century
• Multiple causes for split, like divorce - no single reason but many small ones

Nuclear Weapons Transfer Cancellation (1959)

• Second Taiwan crisis + Mao's cavalier attitude toward nuclear destruction concerned Soviets
• Soviets rationally concluded transferring nuclear weapons to China = bad idea
• Cancelled delivery of prototype atomic bomb in 1959
• Chinese became angry, setting stage for further tensions

Khrushchev's Peaceful Coexistence Policy

• Nikita Khrushchev (First Secretary Soviet Union) wanted peaceful coexistence with West
• Germany division post-Nazi era = stumbling block to this goal
• Khrushchev wanted permanent resolution including international recognition of two Germanys

Eisenhower-Khrushchev September 1959 Meeting

• Khrushchev pushed for Germany resolution with Eisenhower
• US publicly stated Germany must reunite to prevent indefinite conflict hotbed
• Khrushchev pointed out hypocrisy: US supports two Chinas (Mao + Chiang)
• Eisenhower conceded point, tacit understanding reached
• Deal: if Khrushchev sells Mao on two Chinas, Eisenhower open to two Germanys

Beijing Talks: Khrushchev-Mao Meeting

• Khrushchev traveled to Beijing for talks with Mao + Chinese Communist elite
• Started in good mood but knew tough sell ahead
• Good mood quickly dissipated

Mao's Opposition to Two-China Policy

• Mao "definitely certainly really really not open" to two Chinas idea
• Mao taken aback when Khrushchev brought up face-to-face
• Mao's arguments against comparison to Germany:
  • China much larger than Taiwan
  • China: 650 million population vs Taiwan: 7 million population
  • West Germany: 50 million vs East Germany: 18 million population
  • China helped win WWII, Germany lost
  • Why should China agree to division?

Khrushchev's Historical Precedent Argument

• Khrushchev cited Far Eastern Republic case from Soviet history
• Lenin created Far Eastern Republic in Soviet Far East
• Lenin recognized its sovereignty despite being on Soviet territory
• Republic later merged back with Soviet Union
• Chinese contingent familiar with this historical situation

Mao's Reaction to Historical Examples

• Mao appalled by Far Eastern Republic creation
• Also upset about Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia separation from Soviet Union
• Mao noted these cases had no foreign intervention - "was a show"
• Compared to "YouTube comments under some of my videos"

Sino-Indian Border Conflict Response

• Soviet response to recent sino-Indian border conflict became additional tension point
• Would later become firing point for Chinese against Soviets after split completion
• Chinese misunderstood context - Khrushchev thinking about Germany, not offending China

Soviet Leadership Frustrations

• Soviet leadership complained about Chinese "nervousness and touchiness" at any criticism
• Khrushchev added Mao creating cult of personality
• When speaking to Mao, felt like "speaking with Stalin, listening to Stalin"
• Sino-soviet split was on