Stalin`s Policy in China, 1925-27: New Light from Russian Archives

Abstract

In mid-1927, the communist movement in China suffered its first serious defeat. One of the main causes was the Comintern Chinese policy, then directed by Joseph Stalin. New documents from the Russian Archives reveal, however that Stalin tried his best to lead the Chinese Communists to victory. His policy failed because it was determined by his adherence to the false concept of a so-called “multi-class party.” In accordance with this doctrine, the Communists had to make the Kuomintang (KMT Nationalist Party) as “leftist” as possible, namely, by changing it into a “workers’ and peasants’ party.” Nonetheless, from its position inside the KMI the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was unable to struggle successfully for hegemony. in fact, the Communists condemned themselves to constant retreat in the face of their ally irrespective of what particular directives they received from Moscow, as it was impossible to implement orders to communize the KMT without risking the breakup of the united front. However leaving the KMT would mean burying any hope of turning it into a “workers’ and peasants’ party.” In essence, Stalin himself was trapped in a cul-de-sac.