Foreign affairs: Korea; the Sino-Soviet split; clashes and the breakdown of relations between Khrushchev and Mao
China fought in the Korean War and later fell out badly with the Soviet Union. Mao and Soviet leader Khrushchev clashed over ideology and power, ending what had seemed like a strong communist alliance.
Real World
In 1960, Khrushchev abruptly withdrew all 1,400 Soviet technical advisers from China and cancelled over 200 joint projects — including assistance with China's nuclear programme — leaving half-built factories and forcing China to pursue industrial and military self-sufficiency at enormous cost.
Exam Focus
Identify ideological disagreements (de-Stalinisation, peaceful coexistence) separately from personal rivalry between Mao and Khrushchev — examiners distinguish these as distinct factors.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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