The Dragon Enters the War :: essays research papers

The Dragon Enters the WarIn June 1950, a few months after(prenominal) the announcement of the Beijing-Moscow alliance, the Korean crisis erupted. Early in October, shortly after the South Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel, the CCP made a final last to enter the Korean War to fight the American-led international forces. What precipitated Beijings decision to invade Korea? What were the CCPs motives and objectives in taking part in the Korean conflict ? What kind of bureau did the newly established Sino-Soviet alliance play in Beijings decision to cross the Yalu River? This paper tries to answer those questions.The Chinese ideogram for crisis is a combination of the ideograms for danger and opportunity. To the leading of the Peoples Republic of China, the Korean War was both. As the UN forces advanced north toward the Yalu, Beijing prepared for war. Mao still found the decision to go to war a difficult one, however, despite the pressure to intervene. Following the Inchon lan dings, Kim Il Sung had dispatched two of his top aides to Beijing and asked Mao for emergency help, notwithstanding the Chinese were not ready to make any firm commitment. Stalin, following the landings, also pleaded with the Chinese to go to the aid of the North Koreans. According to Chinese sources, the Soviet leader promised to provide air cover for the Chinese troops and to send Russian troops in the event the Chinese army faltered. Still, Mao hesitated. virtually disturbing to Mao, if the Chinese armies intervened and were pushed back would Stalin really send troops as promised in order to save China? Also of concern, if China became involved in a war with the United States, Chinas dependence on Stalin would inevitably grow, an unsavory thought to Mao. Finally, all hope of conquering Taiwan would evaporate indefinitely. Despite his hesitance, step-by-step Mao moved closer to intervention. On October 1, Sdtalin telegraphed Mao and encouraged him to send volunteer Chinese sold iers into North Korea for the purpose of defending the eye socket north of the 38th Parallel. On October 2, Mao directed the Chinese Politburo to pass a resolution to send these Chinese troops into North Korea, beginning on October 15. The same day, Mao cabled Stalin of Chinas decision to send volunteers into Korea to fight the United States and its lackey Syngman Rhee. Although Chinese preparations for war accelerated, Mao refused to give the green light, perhaps held back by the reservations expressed by some of the other members of the Politburo.