There were many disputes between China and Russia between the 1950s and 1960s. The disputes may be caused by ideological differences, self-interest, personalities of the leaders, or domestic problems.
Mao and Stalin had ideological differences. Although Mao and Stalin’s ideologies are based on Marxism, Stalin believed Mao using the peasants as the basis for revolution is not the right interpretation of Marxism. Stalin thought workers in cities should be the basis to lead the revolution. Also, Stalin feared Mao compete against him in the Communist world, so Stalin wanted a weak China and the USSR will then dominate Asia. He made his policies through self-interests. Thus, Stalin wanted Mao to cooperate with Chiang Kai-shek instead of carrying out a revolution. Therefore Mao believed Stalin was not a true revolutionary. The Sino-Soviet Treaty Alliance is another example, which the Soviets acted through self-interest. The treaty, which was the first treaty between China and Russia, offered the Chinese Soviet expertise and low interest aid. However, it was signed after two months of negotiation and the Chinese was received poor treatment. Plus, the Chinese would have to repay Soviets’ aid with interests. Moreover, the Chinese traditional buildings were replaced with Soviet style buildings and Socialist sciences were prioritized over the western, which was far more effective than the Socialist sciences. Mao was not happy about Stalin’s actions in the Korean War. Stalin encouraged China to send troops into Korea. China sent one million soldiers to Korea and Russia gave China material assistance but China paid $1.35 billion for the Soviet equipment. Between 1953 and 1956, there were tensions and suspicions in Mao and Stalin’s relationship. Stalin might have purposely delay the end of the Korean War in order to weaken China. After Stalin’s death, tension