A Short History of China and Southeast Asia

characteristic, predisposed Rangoon to accommodate all but the most

abrupt changes in the direction of Chinese foreign policy. Relations

were at all times lubricated by understanding and deference on the part

of the Burmese in regular, high-level exchanges. Even the provoca-

tions of the Cultural Revolution did not fatally disrupt the developing

bilateral relations regime between the two countries.

Cambodia, too, developed a durable bilateral relations regime

with China. Unlike Burma’s, this was not based on mutual recognition

of security concerns, but rather on Cambodia’s need for a guarantor to

ensure its continuing independence and survival in the face of threats

and pressures from both Vietnam and Thailand, and China’s readiness

Communism and the Cold War

Mao Zedong welcoming Burmese president, General Ne Win, 13 November 1975.

(Hsinhua News Agency)

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