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The Making of Modern China, 1860–1997

Military confrontation in 1969

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 3

Overview

Recall questions on the Zhenbao Island clashes, how serious the crisis became, how it was defused, and how it opened the way to Nixon's visit.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What happened militarily in 1969?

Key term

What happened at Zhenbao Island in March 1969?

Numbers

How was the immediate crisis defused?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What happened militarily in 1969?

    Model answer

    Armed border clashes broke out between China and the USSR, notably at Zhenbao Island on the Ussuri River.

  2. 2

    What happened at Zhenbao Island in March 1969?

    Model answer

    Chinese forces ambushed Soviet border troops on the disputed Ussuri river island, and the Soviets retaliated heavily days later.

  3. 3

    How serious did the 1969 confrontation become?

    Model answer

    There was further fighting in Xinjiang, Soviet officials sounded out Washington about a strike on Chinese nuclear facilities, and China dispersed its leadership.

  4. 4

    Why did China risk a clash with a stronger power?

    Model answer

    To demonstrate resolve and deter further pressure, and probably to mobilise domestic opinion at the end of the most violent phase of the Cultural Revolution.

  5. 5

    How was the immediate crisis defused?

    Model answer

    Kosygin met Zhou Enlai at Beijing airport in September 1969 and border talks began, though no settlement was reached for decades.

  6. 6

    What was the strategic consequence of 1969 for China?

    Model answer

    It convinced Mao that the USSR was the main enemy, which made an opening to the United States necessary.

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