Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact
중소불가침조약
The Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was an agreement between the Soviet Union and the Republic of China, represented by the Kuomintang government, not the Chinese Communist Party. Signed in Nanjing on 21 August 1937, it limited the use of force between the parties and assistance to a third-party aggressor, providing the legal framework for Soviet military aid to China and Operation Zet.
In depth
Signing and provisions
The pact was signed in Nanjing on 21 August 1937, shortly after the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War, and registered in the League of Nations Treaty Series on 8 September. The parties undertook not to use force to settle disputes and not to assist an aggressor if either party was attacked by a third power. It was concluded for five years.
Operation and limits
After the signing, the Soviet Union supplied the Kuomintang government with credit, weapons, military advisers, and volunteer pilots, supporting China's war against Japan. This cooperation rested on an interstate agreement between the Republic of China and the Soviet Union, not a party-to-party treaty with the Chinese Communist Party. The pact institutionalized cooperation while Soviet policy also adjusted the scale of aid in light of the risk of conflict with Japan and the threat from Europe.
Sources
- Wikipedia (EN) supports the pact's parties, signing date and place, entry into force, registration, and its connection to Operation Zet and Soviet aid.
- Wikipedia (RU) supports the treaty's five-year term, commitments not to use force and not assist an aggressor, and the distinction between the USSR and the Republic of China.
- globalsecurity.org supports the pact with the Kuomintang government and the subsequent Soviet equipment and pilot assistance in Operation Z.