Both are workers' states born out of great socialist revolutions, but with serious deformations in their state structures arising from their inability to completely root out the previous social systems, which were based upon class oppression. These two forces have been in irreconcilable struggle since day one of both revolutions. And this is reflected in the dual character of their foreign policy. Unless one understands the root of the problem, no clear analysis can be made of the complex international situation in which both countries are involved. Now U.S. imperialism has gone too far and alarmed the Soviet leaders.
Similar circumstances motivate Chinese diplomacy as well.
Before they crushed the counter-revolutionary rebellion in Beijing last June, they found the imperialist monopolies becoming as aggressive as they were almost 100 years ago. Now that they've become even more hostile, the Chinese leaders would welcome a period of relief from the imposed political and economic isolation. The continuing antagonism between the opposing class forces within the workers' states will be accompanied by serious setbacks and great advances, until the inevitable downfall of world imperialism and the final victory of socialism. The moderates are sure to argue once again that a careful, wise policy of disengagement brought the hostage vessels and their crews safely home. But the rabid interventionists will say that it was the tough policy of sending U.S. warships to northern Africa that paid off.