Communist China in Latin America: Political Idealism and Economic Stratagems Open Access

Abstract

Historically, literature on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under the leadership of Mao
Zedong has focused on China's closed door policy in which the nation attempted to limit foreign
ties and trade. However, my study explores the party's attempt in the 1960's to spread violent
revolt in Latin America as well as develop trade relations with multiple nations in the region.
China's interest in the region stemmed largely from the Sino-Soviet split in which China and the
Soviet Union's ideologies began to diverge in the 1950's until they reached non-alliance by the
early 1960's. After the Sino-Soviet split the CCP began looking for allies in other regions.
Throughout the 1960's the CCP developed an identity as leader of the third world which
included Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Latin America was included as a member of the third
world primarily as a result of its non-alliance with the Soviet Union and the United States during
the Cold War. The CCP also saw many similarities between itself and the region as its largest
economic sector was agriculture and much of the population resided in the peasantry. One
aspect of China's attempt to gain allies with the region included spreading Chinese Communist
thought, known as Maoist-Leninist Communism. However, the CCP proved largely ineffective
at espousing its political rhetoric by the end of the decade. On the other hand, the party's
economic endeavors led to stronger ties in the region. This led to official diplomatic recognition
of the CCP as the legitimate governing body of China. Therefore, this suggests that the CCP's
foreign policy throughout the 1960's was more Realpolitik than previously suggested. In
examining the CCP's relationship with Latin America I also focus on the development of Maoist
communism as well as Latin America in relation to the Third World.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS Chapter page Introduction 1 Chapter 1: New Strategies, New Challenges: The Emergence of Maoist Communism 6 Chapter 2: Third World Revolution 14 Chapter 3: Quid Pro Quo: Chinese Aid to Latin America 23 Chapter 4: Bridges Across the Pacific: China's Trade Policy Develops With Latin America 28 Chapter 5: Domestic Failures, Foreign Successes: China in the Early 1970's 36 Conclusion 40 Works cited 43

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	History
Degree	BA
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	History, Asia, Australia and Oceania History, Latin American Economics, History
Keyword	Economics China Latin America Maoism
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Lesser, Jeffrey, Emory University
Committee Members	Bullock, Mary, Emory University Streeb, Gordon L, Emory University

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