Although both the Soviet Union and Communist China were
committed to a strategy of "peaceful coexistence" in this
period, Moscow appeared even more reluctant to support North
Vietnamese aspirations for an early Communist takeover in
South Vietnam and what is now known as Laos. When Ho greeted
the first Soviet ambassador with expectations of "constant
support'' and "great assistance" from the USSR, the Russian
diplomat countered by offering the "deep sympathy and understanding"
of the Sotiret people for Vietnam's struggle. And
when Ho visited Moscow seeking aid for his struggling regime
in July 1955, the formal communique referred pointedly to
Sino-Vietnamese friendship as "the main factor" preserving
peace in Southeast Asia.