"A Farewell to the Cold War":Historical Implications for China of the Normalization of Sino-Soviet Relations

Seen from the perspective of China and the Cold War,the process of normalization of Sino-Soviet relations was one by which China gradually shifted its foreign policy from Cold War strategic framework to new ideas shaped and developed by policy makers in the course of reform and opening up.In the wake of the foundation of the People's Republic,the Chinese leadership chose to follow the Soviet model in development strategy,and to adopt foreign policy of leaning to one side and ally itself with the Soviet Union.After three decades of upheavals and setbacks,the Chinese leadership finally turned to road of Chinese-style socialism, and peaceful,independent and non-aligned foreign policy. The turn marked another fundamental adjustment in China's national development strategy and foreign policy since the 1950s and led to a farewell to the Cold War.