China’s industrial growth in the mid-20th century was significantly influenced by assistance from the Soviet Union. This partnership played a crucial role in the development of China’s industrial base, with a focus on the establishment of key industrial plants and the transfer of knowledge and expertise.
Transition of Managerial Roles
In its strategy to expand industrial capabilities, China implemented a policy of retaining existing managerial staff across industries it took over. The objective was to maintain operational continuity until Chinese personnel, trained by the communists, were prepared to assume these roles. This approach ensured a smoother transition in management and minimized disruptions in production during a period of significant change.
Significance of Russian Aid
The cornerstone of China’s industrialization plan revolved around the establishment of 156 large key industrial plants, which were set up with the assistance of the Soviet Union. However, it is important to note that the Soviet loan only accounted for 31 percent of the total cost for the equipment and supplies needed for these industries. During China’s First Five Year Plan, the financial aid from Russia was a mere three percent of the total investment, with the remaining 97 percent sourced domestically from China.
Impact of Russian Knowledge and Technological Expertise
Despite the relatively small financial contribution, the Soviet Union’s extensive knowledge of technology and experience in centralized economic planning were invaluable to China. These non-financial contributions were arguably more significant than the monetary aid. The Soviets not only provided the necessary equipment for the installation of the 156 industrial plants but also supplied the skilled personnel required to operate them. This transfer of expertise included the training of Chinese workers to fill these positions in the future.
Russian Contribution to Industrial Plant Setup
The Soviet Union’s support extended beyond just financial and human resources. Russia provided comprehensive blueprints and technological information for a wide array of construction projects and industries. This exchange of knowledge facilitated the development of a diverse industrial sector in China, laying the foundation for future growth and innovation.
Educational and Professional Training Exchange
Education and training formed a significant aspect of the Sino-Soviet collaboration. In the 1950s, approximately 6,000 Chinese students received education in Russian universities, specializing in science and technology. Concurrently, about 7,000 Chinese industrial workers were sent to the Soviet Union to gain training in various skills. This educational exchange was complemented by the deployment of roughly 12,000 Russian engineers and technicians to China. Their mission was to establish and organize the various industries, ensuring that the Chinese workforce was well-equipped to sustain and grow the industrial sector.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the Soviet Union’s approach to aiding China’s industrial development differ from typical financial loans provided by Western countries to developing nations?
2. What long-term impacts did the training of Chinese students and workers in the Soviet Union have on China’s technological and industrial capabilities?
3. In what ways did the Soviet model of centralized economic planning influence China’s own economic policies during the initial years of industrial development?