Chapter 3.3: Guns, Guns, and More Guns, Nov-Dec 1969.
With much of the Chinese rail network under Soviet control (although gauge differences required supplies to change trains at the border), the Soviets quickly bring supplies to the front-line troops. The occupation was severely harmed by the resistance, although that was ‘mitigated’ by a fleet of heavy bombers and incendiary charges. The Soviets evacuated Vladivostok (the Chinese navy was non-existent), which unfortunately got rid of a major port.
Soviet Bomber over Manchuria, c. 1969/1970
North Korea decided to take matters into its own hands, and invaded South Korea in December. The north didn’t have any supplies, however, so the surprise attack had much less effect. Hainan also succeeded from China and joined the ROC, mad at the absurd conscription and work requirements.
Soviets paratroopers also landed behind the lines, blowing up bridges and other important infrastructure. Mao knew that if the Soviets behind the front weren’t killed, then his troops would be forced to withdraw from the strong fortifications they had built. His plan to use his own numerical superiority to force the Soviets out of the war by inflicting massive casualties would fail, after which the rest of Manchuria and even Beijing would be open to attack. India was now ‘supporting’ (read: invading China) the Tibetian rebels, which required even more soldiers moved there. The world saw China as weak and were ready to pounce.
Mao’s opportunities for victory were closing fast. He gave the order for the preparing and arming of China’s roughly 250 nuclear weapons. The Soviets did the same. President Richard Nixon raised the DEFCON Level to 3. But for the anti-communist Americans, it was only one thing.
Let the fun begin.
Frontlines, c. January 1, 1970
Okay folks, that concludes the Capter Three story arc. Chapter four comes out soon, and will be full length.