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Photograph of Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong, 1945

Chinese Civil War, 1946-1950

The Chinese Civil War, fought between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Nationalist Party (GMD) from 1946-1950, was a defining conflict for China, East Asia, and the world. The Civil War included a number of large battles and campaigns, and was notable for the involvement of both the United States and the Soviet Union. The victory of the CCP and the founding of the People's Republic of China in October 1949 shifted the balance of power in the emerging Cold War. For other collections on China’s modern political history, see: Purges in 1950s China; China’s Great Leap Forward, 1958-1961; China’s Cultural Revolution, 1966-1976; Reform and Opening in China, 1978-; and China, 1989.

Photograph of Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong, 1945

Timeline

Timeline for
Chinese Civil War, 1946-1950

July 20, 1946

Chinese Civil War Begins

Large scale fighting between the Guomindang and the Chinese Communist Party begins, marking the start of the Chinese Civil War.

August 06, 1946

Mao Zedong's Intermediate Zone

During an interview with Anna Louise Strong, Mao Zedong says that "all reactionaries are paper tigers" and discusses the Chinese Civil War. He also introduces the theory of the "intermediate zone," stating that "the United States and the Soviet Union are separated by a vast zone which includes many capitalist, colonial and semi-colonial countries in Europe, Asia and Africa."

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September 12, 1948

Liaoshen Campaign Begins

The Liaoshen (Liaoning-Shenyang) Campaign, the first of three major campaigns during the Chinese Civil War, begins on 12 September 1948, and involves more than one-million soldiers from both sides. By the conclusion of the campaign on 2 November 1948, the Chinese Communist Party had defeated the Guomindang in Manchuria and had taken control over some of China's most important industrial centers.

November 06, 1948

Huaihai Campaign Begins

The Huaihai Campaign, the second and largest of the three major military campaigns of the Chinese Civil War, begins on 6 November 1948. The Chinese Communist Party defeats the Guomindang in areas north of the Yangtze River and takes control of crucial rail lines and commercial centers in east China by 10 January 1949.

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November 29, 1948

Pingjin Campaign Begins

The Pingjin Campaign, the last of the three major campaigns of the Chinese Civil War, begins on 29 November 1948. The Chinese Communist Party defeats the Guomindang in Beiping (now Beijing), Tianjin, and Zhangjiakou. The conclusion of this campaign on 31 January 1949 marks the decisive victory of the Chinese Communist Party in northern China.

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June 30, 1949

Leaning to One Side

In a famous article entitled “On the People’s Democratic Dictatorship,” Mao Zedong announces that China will “lean to one side” in its foreign policy. Mao wrote that China must “ally with the Soviet Union” and “form an international united front.”

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October 01, 1949

Founding of the People's Republic of China

Following three years fighting against the Guomindang, Mao Zedong proclaims the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from Tian'anmen Square. Though much of the Guomindang had already fled to Taiwan, huge swathes of Chinese territory, including Tibet, nevertheless had yet to come under the control of the Chinese Communist Party.

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April 24, 1945

Mao Zedong, 'On Coalition Government'

Mao Zedong defines the Chinese Communist Party's foreign policy for the post-war world, announcing that "China can never win genuine independence and equality by following the present policy of the Kuomintang government."

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December 16, 1949

Record of Conversation between I.V. Stalin and Chairman of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China Mao Zedong on 16 December 1949

First meeting between Mao and Stalin. The two discuss war and peace, as well as the question of the new treaty between China and the USSR. Stalin voices himself against signing a new treaty, citing the Yalta agreement. Mao promises to reconsider his position. Mao says he is in favor of keeping Soviet troops in Port Arthur. Stalin promises not to "run away" from China. Mao requests a credit of 300 million dollars, as well as the Soviet aid in liberating Taiwan. Stalin warns Mao not to give the Americans a pretext to intervene in China. Mao says that several countries are interested in establishing diplomatic relations with China but that China should wait before doing so. Stalin agrees with this strategy.

January 22, 1950

Record of Talks between I.V. Stalin and Chairman of the Central People's Government of the People’s Republic of China Mao Zedong

Conversation between Stalin and Mao concerning a proposed treaty of friendship and alliance between the USSR and China. Discussion includes: the prospects of future Japanese aggression, the Chinese-Eastern Railway (Mao and Stalin disagree on who should run its administration), the Port Arthur agreements (including the question of the port of Dalny), and economic cooperation. The economic cooperation focuses on a Soviet credit program for economic development in China, as well as the question of arms shipments to China. There is also discussion of Tibet.
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