Communism in Asia

China

US foreign policy largely ignored what was happening
In October 1949, Mao Zedong took control of China
In Feburary 1950, the USSR and Communist China agreed to a Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance

Controlled by Japanese since 1910
- At the end of WW2, Japanese forces surrendered to USSR in the North, surrendered to the US in the South
The war lasted from 1950-1953
Peace treaty signed 1953

North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, the South was quickly overrun
South appealed to the UN
USSR boycotted the meetings of the UN security council as it failed to recognise the Communist government of China
This allowed American proposal to help South Korea passed uncontested
Americans along side other nations including Britain fought in Korea against the Communist North
Fought as UN troops than individual countries
Majority of troops American and overall commander was General MacArthur, a leading commander from WW2

Conflict had turned global
Each side had a chance to test out new and deadly weapons
Views became polarised against each other
UN acted without the approval of the USSR
UN proved it could act only in the absence of the USSR
Failed to unite Korea
USSR assumed it's seat in the security council and never missed an important vote

Communist North
- Supported by the USSR and China
- The Communist army known as the Vietcong
- Leader was Ho Chi Minh
- Guerilla warfare
Anti-Communist South
- Supported by the American army
- Leader was Diem
- Search and Destroy tactics