Decision making factors in Chinese foreign policy concerning Korea (1950) and Vietnam (1965-66): the role and significance of two former vassal states

Abstract

This work examins three areas of contributory factors that shaped the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) response towards two international crises in regions which traditionally fell within the Chinese sphere of influence : the Korean War (1950) and the American War in Vietnam (1965-66). It analyzes and isolate2 the domestic and international political aspects which shaped the foreign policy towards the two conflicts including the conflict between Mao Tse-tung and others in the CCP over China's socialist construction; it also considers the specific relations with the two former vassal states. Once decision-making factors are identified, the formulation of the foreign policy output in both cases is described. A broader historical perspective is provided through a discussion of imperial Chinese attitudes towards Korea and Vietnam and through an insight into the effects of western and Japanese encroachments in the two areas. The study uses the two periods to gauge the success achieved by a newly independent China's efforts towards gaining international status, creating spheres of influence and avoiding domination by the Americans or the Soviets over the first decade and a half of the People's Republic's existence. The significance of the two former vassals is placed in this context. The study concludes that although decision-making with regard to the Vietnam conflict was freer from foreign influence than in the case of the Korean War, the improvement in Chinese international standing and effectiveness in international politics was nominal, although a better use of deterrents and diplomatic communications can be observed.