The Sino-Soviet Relationship and Yugoslavia, 1949-1971.

A discussion of the impact of Sino-Soviet relations on Yugoslavia during the period 1949-1971. China, a nonregional power with no record of presence or influence in the Balkans, has shaped Soviet policy toward Yugoslavia. The Tito regime in 1949 expected Chinese aid in an ideological struggle with Stalin, but was disappointed. China reinforced anti-Yugoslavism in 1956; Party ties with Moscow were interrupted in 1958, although chilly state relations were maintained. By 1962, Yugoslavia was dependent on the USSR for supplies; she participated in Communist Party meetings; she attempted to neutralize Chinese dogmatism in nonaligned states. This rapprochement with Russia ended with the Czechoslovak invasion. Perceiving this as a threat to Yugoslavian security, Tito revamped the military and reoriented the defense doctrine. He strengthened European relations, improved relations with other Communist countries and with the United States. Yugoslavia at last gained support from Communist China, although the latter cannot guarantee Yugoslavian independence after Tito. 13 pp.