Restoration of Sino-Soviet Diplomatic Relations in 1931–1932: Process and Conditions

Abstract

This article is based on existing research and published archives and, by systematizing this information, seeks to reflect as fully as possible the process of decision-making on the restoration of diplomatic relations between China and the USSR in 1932. The main focus is on the analysis from the perspective of the Nanking government: the conceptual development and choice of interests of the Chinese and Soviet sides in the issues of Sino-Soviet relations and interaction with Japan during this period are examined. Soviet-Chinese diplomatic relations after 1931 underwent a relatively difficult process of reconstruction. Much of the Chinese and Russian literature provides limited analysis of this topic with simplistic conclusions. Due to widespread contradictions between China and the USSR, the Nanjing government was mistrustful of developing relations with the Soviet Union. At the same time, faced with unrest beyond the Far Eastern border, the USSR, out of caution and “distrust of the Nanking government,” also took a series of actions that were seen as “developing Japan-Soviet relations.” Under increasing pressure, China finally decided to start negotiations with the USSR to unconditionally restore diplomatic relations to prevent the Soviet Union from getting too close to Japan. The fact that the USSR gradually began to view Japan as a factor of instability also created conditions for the restoration of Soviet-Chinese diplomatic relations and their further development.

References

1. Wang Yangqing, ed. Shao Yuan Chong Zhi Ji [Diary of Shao Yuanzhong]. Shanghai: Shang Hai Ren Ming Chu Ban She, 1990, 1270 p. (In Chin.).

2. The CPC’s second declaration on the Shanghai Incident. URL: http: //www. 71. cn/2011/0930/630866. shtml(date of access: 31. 10. 2023). (In Chin.)

3. Newspaper “Zhongyang Zhi Bao”, December 14, 1932. (In Chin.)

4. Ta Kung Pao Newspaper, September 18, 1932. (In Chin.)

5. Gaimusho oa-kyoku daiikka [First Division, Bureau of European and Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs]. Nisso kosho-shi [History of Negotiations between Japan and the USSR], Gennando Shoten, 1969. 567 p. (In Japanese)

6. Gaimusho [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]. Nippon gaikoubunsho [Japanese diplomatic documents] Manchurian Incident (December 1931-October 1932), Vol. 2, Book 1. 989 p. (In Japanese).

7. Gaimusho [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]. Nippon gaikoubunsho [Japanese diplomatic documents] Manchurian Incident (December 1931-October 1932), Vol. 2, Book 2. 826 p. (In Japanese).

8. Gaimusho [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]. Nippon gaikoubunsho [Japanese diplomatic documents], Shōwa II, part 2, vol. 1: 1996. 561 p. (In Japanese).

9. Guo Shi Guan [Academy of History], Archives of President Chiang Kaishi, 002-020200-00014-040. (In Chinese).

10. Guo Shi Guan [Academy of History], Archives of President Chiang Kai-shek, 002-090400-00006-450 (In Chinese).

11. Kokumudaiyin no enzetsu [State Minister’s Speech] (August 25, 1932). https: //worldjpn. net/documents/texts/fam/19320825. SXJ. html(accessed: 20. 4. 2024) (In Japanese)

12. Liu Weikai. Guo Min Zheng Fu Chu Li Ju Yi Ba Shi Bian Zhi Zhongyao Wen Xian [Important documents on the actions of the national government in the September 18 incident]. Taipei: Jin Dai Zhong Guo Chu Ban She, 1992. 724 p. (In Chinese).

13. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR. Documents of Foreign Policy of the USSR. VOL. XIV. January 1–31 December 1931. M.: Politizdat, 1968. 876 p.

14. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR. Documents of the Foreign Policy of the USSR. VOL. XV. January 1–31 December 1932. M.: Politizdat, 1969. 869 p.

15. Peking Normal University, Shanghai Municipal Archives: Jiang Zuo Bin Zhi Ji [Diary of Jiang Zobin]. Jiangsu: Jiang Su Gu Ji Chu Ban She, 1990. 504 p. (In Chinese).

16. Rossiiskii gosudarstvennii arhiv socialno_politicheskoi istorii (RGASPI) [Russian State Archive of Social and Political History]. F. 17. Op. 162. D. 12.

17. RGASPI. F. 17. O p. 162. D. 13.

18. RGASPI. F. 558. O p. 11. D. 76.

19. Stalin I. V. Stalin I. V. Cochineniya [Stalin I. V. Works.]. Vol. 13. Moscow. Gosudarstvennoe izdatelstvo politicheskoi literaturi 1951. 423p

20. Xue Xiantian. Min Guo Shi Qi Zhong Su Guan Xi Shi: 1917–1949 [History of Soviet-Chinese relations during the Republic of China: 1917–1949] Part 1. Beijing: Zhong Gong Dan Shi Chu Ban She, 2009. 272 p. (In Chinese).

21. He Hanwen. Zhongye Wai Jiao Shi [Diplomatic History of China and Russia], Shanghai: Zhonghua Shuju, 1935. 490 p. (In Chinese).

22. Qin Xiaoyi: Zong Tong Jiang Gong Gong Xi Xiangyan Lun Zong Ji [Thoughts and Sayings of President Chiang Kai-shek], Vol. 10, Zhong Guo Guo Min Dan Zhongyang Wei Yuan Hui Dan Shi Hui, 1984. 686 p. (In Chinese).

23. Zhou Wenqi: Gong Chan Guo Ji Su Lian He Zhong Guo Gong Chan Dan Guan Xi Bian Nian Shi [Chronicle of relations between the Comintern, the USSR and the CCP], Hubei: HuBei RenMin ChuBanShe, 1993. 702 p. (In Chinese).

24. Yang Kuisong. Zhong Guo Ge Ming De Qie Liue Zai Guo Ji Bei Jing Xia De Yan Bian [Evolution of the strategy of Chinese revolution in the international context]. Beijing: Zhong Gong Zhongyang Dan Xiao Chu Ban She, 1992. 449 p. (In Chinese)

25. Situation in Manchuria: Report of the Lytton Commission of Inquiry. Series of league of Nations Publications. 1932. VII. 12. Geneva: League of Nations, 1932. 148 p. https://hdl. loc. gov/loc. wdl/wdl. 11601 (accessed: 04.10.2024).