China’s Strategic Concerns (Post-1949
Aft comm victory in China in 1949 → Mao saw US → as greatest threat
- concerned abt possible invasion by US allies, backed by US forces.
Mao believed → if Vietnam became non communist country that was allied with US: → China potentially vulnerable to attack from SK, Vietnam and GMD govt in Taiwan.
Buffer Zone Strategy
thus Mao → eager to support any state / group that created anti US buffer in Vietnam → esp. if it was comm one
Another reason Mao wanted to help NV → show support for another comm state. +Found bond of loyalty to Ho.
Internal Political Reasons
Mao also believed → involvement in Vietnam war → help unite Chinese people behind is leadership.
- had done same in Korean War → had strengthened his position, esp. when Chinese forces pushed US troops back in Korea.