SINO-VIETNAMESE NORMALIZATION IN THE LIGHT OF THE CRISIS OF THE LATE 1970S

This study seeks to analyze the process of normalization of relations between China and Vietnam in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the lig ht of the deterioration of relations that took place during the late 1 970s. The evolution of the bilateral relationship from the mid-1970s t o the early 1990s is outlined and discussed. In analysing the deterior ation of relations as well as the normalization process the following issues are discussed and assessed; different perceptions of the Soviet Union, relations to and influence in Cambodia, the ethnic Chinese in Vietnam, territorial disputes, ideology, and internal change in the tw o countries. The analysis shows that the deterioration of relations wa s primarily caused by the different perceptions of the Soviet Union, t he dispute concerning Cambodia, and the conflict over the ethnic Chine se in Vietnam. Full normalization followed upon the improved relations between China and the Soviet Union and the settlement of the Cambodia n conflict.