The Dragon Enters the War :: essays research papers

The Dragon Enters the contendIn June 1950, a few months after the proclamation of the Beijing-Moscow alliance, the Korean crisis erupted. Early in October, shortly after the South Korean host crossed the 38th parallel, the CCP made a final finality to enter the Korean War to fight the American-led international forces. What precipitated Beijings last to combat Korea? What were the CCPs motives and objectives in taking part in the Korean conflict ? What phase of role 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 cabal of the ideograms for danger and opportunity. To the leaders 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 smooth found the decision to go to war a difficult one, however, patronage the pressure to intervene. Following the Inchon landings, K im Il Sung had dispatched two of his top aid to Beijing and asked Mao for emergency help, but the Chinese were not quick 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 win air cover for the Chinese military man and to send Russian troops in the event the Chinese army faltered. Still, Mao hesitated. Most sorry 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 mainland China would vanish 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 soldiers into North Korea fo r the take aim of defending the area north of the 38th Parallel. On October 2, Mao order 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 show by some of the other members of the Politburo.