Make the Vietnam war a re-run of the Korean, but have either of the principles over-react when their backs are to the wall.Between 1956 and 1991 make United States of America and the Chinese People's Republic to be engaged in a direct, nuclear war without Soviet (direct) participation.
Something in the Straits goes very bad in the 80's.Between 1956 and 1991 make United States of America and the Chinese People's Republic to be engaged in a direct, nuclear war without Soviet (direct) participation.
The main problem with that I think it is if China can launch/transport nuclear weapons over the US mainland. And when this capability has been reached by Bejing.Between 1956 and 1991 make United States of America and the Chinese People's Republic to be engaged in a direct, nuclear war
Easy. No Soviet leader in the period you described have been an hardliner, and the Sino-Soviet split has consumed at the beginning of the period. I think that more than thinking about how to make USSR not attacking the US, the problem is thinking how to make USSR not attacking China. But overall is not too difficult to find something.without Soviet (direct) participation
The main problem with that I think it is if China can launch/transport nuclear weapons over the US mainland. And when this capability has been reached by Bejing.
Easy. No Soviet leader in the period you described have been an hardliner, and the Sino-Soviet split has consumed at the beginning of the period. I think that more than thinking about how to make USSR not attacking the US, the problem is thinking how to make USSR not attacking China. But overall is not too difficult to find something.
But a more tense Sino-Soviet split will probably trigger the Soviet intervention we want to avoid.More tense Sino-Soviet split can lead to the greater focus on Chinese ICBMs to protect themselves from potential invasion.
More tense Sino-Soviet split can lead to the greater focus on Chinese ICBMs to protect themselves from potential invasion.
Well, if Chinese began to nuke United States, nuclear war between two states would last for days, no more. Then, Sino-Soviet War is vastly different conflict.
Are we talking about a war in which China attacks the USA with nuclear weapons as well or a nuclear war involving the USA and China? Because if it's the latter, all that's needed is for the USA to conduct a preemptive nuclear strike on China when it becomes clear China is developing nuclear bombs after making sure the USSR wouldn't retaliate.
War in which two sides are using nuclear weapons. So, both China and United States are hit with The Bomb.
Won't happen under the OP restrictions - if the US knows it's going to be hit, it'll expand the war to the USSR to prevent them taking advantage of the damage and temporary reduction in throw weight the US will have suffered.
The "tramp steamer" option only works if China is planning the war, it takes time to set up. If the US "plans" to do this, therefore first strike, China delivers zero bombs to the USA. They might fly one one way to US bases in Japan or Korea, possibly even Guam. The H-6 bomber (the Chinese copy of the Badger) has a range of 3200nm which is over 1000nm short of a one way trip to Hawaii. Depending on when this happens they could refuel, but it would still be a one-way trip. Getting to the US mainland is really a no-go, they need their ICBMs for that.
China’s nuclear arsenal was unable to destroy the United States so I don’t think they would do that. If it was the reverse and the USA and USSR had a nuclear war then both parties would have probably nuked China though.I don't think anyone "sane" in the US would order full nuclear strike on a neutral country - even if it is Soviet Union. It would require full genocidal maniacs in the White House, Cabinet, Congress and the USAF. Threatening them with nuclear war if they intervene is another option.