"A compelling read" ( American Historical Review ), this military history explores China's campaigns during the Korean War. Between November 1950 and the end of fighting in June 1953, China launched six major offensives against UN forces in Korea. The most important of these began on April 22, 1951, and was the largest Communist military operation of the war. The UN forces put up a strong defense, prevented the capture of the South Korean capital of Seoul, and finally pushed the Chinese back above the 38th parallel. After China's defeat in this epic five-week battle, Mao Zedong and the Chinese leadership became willing to conclude the war short of total victory. China's Battle for Korea: The 1951 Spring Offensive offers new perspectives on Chinese decision-making, planning, and execution; the roles of command, political control, and technology; and the interaction between Beijing, Pyongyang, and Moscow, while providing valuable insight into Chinese military doctrine and the reasons for the UN's military success. "The author uses Chinese archival material extensively, as well as American and other accounts, to present a balanced presentation of the Korean War." ― Military Heritage "Works such as Xiaobing Li's have much to tell us about the Chinese side of the Korean War." ― Pacific Affairs
