ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the question why, after thousands of incidents and provocations had taken place, the Sino-Soviet border confrontation finally burst into flames in March 1969. China's political and ideological emancipation from the Soviet Union functioned as the antecedent condition for the onset of the Sino-Soviet conflict, which evolved as an ideological, political, and regional rivalry for status, leadership, and loyalty. At Zhenbao, however, the level of violence steadily increased throughout December, January, and February as the Soviet border guards forcefully intercepted Chinese incursion parties. The Soviet Union was clearly favored by its superior logistical infrastructure. As the Soviet Union's mounting military pressure apparently cooled Beijing's temper, reason regained its restraining control over spirit, and Beijing showed willingness to negotiate with the Soviet Union, albeit in a face-saving manner.
