China and the Nordic Countries,1950-1970

Abstract

This article attempts to clarify the development of relations between the People's Republic of China and the Nordic countries during the period 1950-1970. A general historical background to Chinese-Nordic relations is given and then this twenty-year period is subjected to detailed historical analysis. The so-called Nordic balance in China relations — which is defined as a balance related to the two Great Powers in each Nordic country's China relations — was shaped early in the crisis of the Korean War. Denmark, Norway and Sweden had more traditional reasons for tying diplomatic relations with the People's Republic, whereas Finland's motivations were more of a political nature. The author claims that there has been a reversal in the Nordic balance in China relations caused by the Sino-Soviet conflict. This phenomenon can be discerned in political, economic and cultural contacts with certain variations.