Soviet Apprehensions About Sino-American Relations, 1971-74,
Abstract
Since 1970 at least two schools of thought have emerged in Moscow about the implications for the USSR of America's new policy toward China. One is relatively sanguine; the other, quite apprehensive. By examining these Soviet viewpoints, we may gain additional insight into the future of American China policy. Some Soviets apparently do not object to the recent improvements in Sino-American relations in part because it seems impossible to them that Peking and Washington will ever achieve any substantial degree of political rapprochment, let alone any anti-Soviet cooperation. Some Americans may share this view. The second Soviet school, however, seems deeply troubled by the general trend toward Sino-American friendship evident since 1971. Soviet authors have explicitly warned the American government that to become too friendly with Peking may well endanger Soviet-American detente. This Soviet view may also have an American counterpart. For example, in 1973 a New York Times column assessing Sino-American relations contained the comment, 'In essence, a political foundation has been laid for a possible future Chinese-U.S. alliance against the USSR.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA019926
Entities
People
- Michael Pillsbury
Organizations
- RAND Corporation