The Role of the People's Republic of China in the East Bengal Crisis of 1971

摘要

This paper will examine China's decision to support Pakistan during the East Bengal crisis in 1971, in order to determine whether that decision constituted a contradiction in the light of Peking's previously professed support for revolutionary movements, or 'wars of national liberation'. Stated explicitly, the hypothesis which is to be explored is that China's support of Pakistan rather than of Bangla Desh is not contradictory when viewed in the context of the entire spectrum of foreign policies which Peking has pursued since 1949, and when the exigencies of the international situation faced by the PRC in 1971 are considered. (author)