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Chinese troops cross the Yalu River, 1950, to fight in the Korean War.

China and the Korean War

China’s intervention in the Korean War was a turning point in the conflict, preventing the collapse of North Korea and ensuring the war’s stalemate. At the same time, the Korean War marked China’s emergence as a major military power and a key player in Cold War geopolitics, solidifying its alliance with the Soviet Union and shaping its global role.

This collection explores China's critical involvement in all stages of the Korean War, from its initial hesitations to its decisive military and diplomatic actions. Early documents reveal that Chinese leaders were initially reluctant to send troops to Korea, maintaining their hesitation as late as October 11, 1950. However, as the tide of the war turned against North Korea, the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army entered the conflict before the year’s end, providing vital support that shifted the balance of power. The creation of a Joint Headquarters for Chinese and North Korean armed forces underscored the depth of their military collaboration.

Beyond the battlefield, the collection highlights China's prominent role in shaping the armistice negotiations. Chinese leaders worked closely with their allies in the socialist bloc to craft unified terms for the talks, reflecting their growing influence in the international arena during the Cold War.

Through these documents, readers can trace China's strategic decision-making, its coordination with North Korea and the broader socialist bloc, and its efforts to shape the outcome of one of the 20th century's most significant conflicts. This collection provides invaluable insights into China's military, political, and diplomatic strategies during the Korean War.

For more coverage of the Korean War on the Digital Archive, see the collections: Korean War Origins, 1945-1950; Korean War, 1950-1953; Korean War Armistice; and Korean War Biological Warfare Allegations

For a collections resource guide see The Korean War: Collections & Resources on DigitalArchive.org.

Chinese troops cross the Yalu River, 1950, to fight in the Korean War.