DBWI: The USSR collapses instead of China

After successful reforms in the USSR, it has become a developed country and is still one of the worlds superpowers. China, however, has collapsed into a bunch of different nations. What if this was reversed?
 
I think the succession of their big totalitarian leaders is key here. Look at the USSR: compare the situation at the death of Khrushchev in office in 71 to Stalin in 1953. Have a hardliner succeed Stalin instead, and it would be in bad shape really quick. Meanwhile, by the time Madam Mao was couped in 1987 it was too late to save China. Have someone else take control after her husband's death.
 
Top