China-GDR Relations from 1949 to 1989: The (Bad) Company You Keep

This book explores the complex relationship between China and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from 1949 to 1989, highlighting the "ups" and "downs" of their cooperation and conflict. Based on extensive archival research, it examines key aspects of their domestic and foreign policies, including the "honeymoon period" and the Sino-Soviet Split. Appealing to historians, political scientists, and scholars of international relations, it provides valuable insights into this previously under-researched area.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 279 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics between China and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from 1949 to 1989. The relationship,marked by both "ups" and "downs," witnessed significant shifts throughout the period. Notably, in the early 1960s, the Soviet Union's order to its East Berlin vassal state to treat its former socialist comrade and brother-in-arms as an adversary and enemy marked a pivotal moment.

To provide a thorough examination of these relations, the book relies on a wealth of archival material, particularly from the archive of the GDR's ruling party. By exploring selected issues and elements of East German and Chinese domestic and foreign policy, the book offers valuable insights into the nature and historical context of the bilateral relationship.

The book explores four key periods: the initial "honeymoon period" from 1949 to the late 1950s, characterized by mutual support and applause for oppressive domestic policies, including Mao's Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. The 1960s witnessed the emergence of the "Sino-Soviet Split," which defined the quality and level of bilateral animosities. In the 1970s, Beijing replaced socialist comradeship with East Berlin with trade and aid from the United States and West Germany. The 1980s saw the resumption of Sino-East German relations, culminating in the Tiananmen Square protests and the collapse of the GDR in 1989.

This book appeals to historians, political scientists, scholars of international relations, policymakers, diplomats, and anyone with an interest in this previously under-researched area. Its comprehensive analysis sheds light on the complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors that shaped the China-GDR relationship, providing valuable insights into the history and implications of this important era.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030793395
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022