Discuss the reasons for, and the results for China of, the breakdown in Sino-Soviet relations by 1976.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for, and the results for China of, the breakdown of Sino-Soviet relations by 1976. Candidates may refer to events that predate the timeframe to show that relations between China and the USSR had been tense for some time but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Reasons for the breakdown in relations may include a discussion of the Korean War, China’s nuclear development programme, destalinization, the Sino-Soviet Split, the Cultural Revolution and fundamental ideological differences between the two nations. Results of the breakdown in relations may include a discussion of the Sino-Soviet border conflicts, the dismissal of Soviet advisors in China, Ping Pong Diplomacy and China’s rapprochement with the US in the 1970s which led to the acceptance of China into the UN.