The Soviet Union accuses China of backing U.S. policies in Vietnam, an accusation that illustrates the growing rift between the two communist superpowers. China, which had previously taken a hard line toward negotiations between Hanoi and Washington, softened its position by endorsing a North Vietnamese peace plan for ending the war. Although the peace proposal was unacceptable to the United States, the fact that China advocated negotiations between Hanoi and Washington was significant. The Soviet Union, whose relations with China were already deteriorating, was highly suspicious of what they rightfully perceived as a "warming" in Sino-American relations. This suspicion only grew stronger in February 1972, when President Richard Nixon visited China.
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- L.A. Lakers break pro sports winning streak record, 1971
- Vietnam War
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Soviet Union attacks Chinese policy toward Vietnam
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This Week in History, Dec 22 - Dec 28
- Dec 22, 1971
- Soviet Union attacks Chinese policy toward Vietnam
- Dec 22, 1972
- Washington announces Linebacker II raids will continue
- Dec 23, 1966
- Francis Cardinal Spellman visits South Vietnam
- Dec 23, 1972
- Operation Linebacker II continues
- Dec 24, 1964
- Viet Cong bomb Brinks Hotel
- Dec 24, 1972
- Bob Hope gives his last show in Vietnam
- Dec 25, 1966
- Harrison Salisbury reports on damage caused by U.S. bombing
- Dec 25, 1972
- Linebacker II resumes after Christmas pause
- Dec 26, 1967
- Laos says communists launched an offensive
- Dec 26, 1971
- U.S. jets strike North Vietnam
- Dec 27, 1966
- U.S. and South Vietnamese troops attack Viet Cong stronghold
- Dec 27, 1969
- U.S. and North Vietnamese forces battle near Loc Ninh.
- Dec 28, 1964
- South Vietnamese win costly battle at Binh Gia
- Dec 28, 1972
- Hanoi announces return to the Paris peace talks
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