The policies of Stalin’s successors towards the Asia-Pacific can only be understood within the context of Moscow’s larger concerns. The death of the great tyrant meant with the harsher aspect of Soviet totalitarian rule had to be relaxed both at home and within the socialist camp. It also meant that China could no longer be circumscribed within the confines of limited economic assistance and the Korean stalemate. Beyond that, the Soviet advances in nuclear weaponry and the means of delivery were narrowing the gap with the United States and thereby leading to a situation in which understandings had to be reached if a disastrous nuclear war was to be averted. Further afield the significance of the newly emerging Third World countries was gradually making itself felt.