ABSTRACT
Sheng Shih-ts'ai was a regional militarist, yet his rule in Sinkiang was nationally significant. Sheng had nurtured important connections in Nanking prior to his departure for Sinkiang. With Sheng as a case study, this chapter analyzes the conflict between regional separatism and political integration in the Kuomintang era of Chinese history. It focuses on Sinkiang's intricate relations with both the Nationalists and the Russians. The chapter examines Sheng's pro-Soviet leanings in the context of the central government's ineffectual endeavors to extend its influence to the northwestern frontier. Even as a military leader, Sheng had to tace the challenge of Ma Chung-ying and Chang P'ei-yuan. In spite of his earlier connections with the Nationalists, Sheng had risen to prominence in Sinkiang without Chiang Kai-shek's assistance. In comparing his policy toward Russia with his predecessor's, Sheng argued that while Chin had merely exchanged Sinkiang trading rights for Soviet military assistance, he strove instead to gain Russian friendship.
