The Mandate of Heaven: Chinese Civil War, 1947
Committee Description
“The aim of our congress is … the building of a new China.” – Mao Zedong, 1945
As soon as the last Japanese flag over China is taken down, the nation falls into a power struggle between the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang. A war-torn land, their people yearn for stability and peace. Will the CCP be able to revitalize their society whilst waging a cataclysmic war?
As the August of 1947 dawns on the committee, the CCP and KMT are at an intense, high-stakes stalemate. The communists are outnumbered nearly 2-to-1, and their wartime capital was captured just a few months ago. However, this has left the Nationalists isolated and sparse, extremely vulnerable to Communist advances. Will the Communists take advantage of this to compensate for their military weaknesses? Or will the ‘Mandate of Heaven’ be out of their grasp?
Topic A – The Mandate of Heaven
The setting is August 1947. The Communists have concentrated control over significant parts of northern and north-eastern China such as Manchuria, but the KMT still holds a massive territorial advantage, despite being overextended. The CCP must plan meticulously and use their resources and strategies to outplay the KMT and turn the tide of the war. Delegates will use their military resources, authority and strategy to command their forces to victory. Points of discussion and debate will include military strategy, troop movements and resource allocation. Will the CCP be able to win this war? Will they successfully gain the right to rule China and fulfill the ancient ‘Mandate of Heaven’?
Topic C – Improving Foreign Diplomatic Relations
As the CCP’s prominence grows, the faction is looking for better international relations. The Nationalists have already secured the support of the United States, which can be deadly for the Communists if disregarded. To counter the Nationalists’ diplomatic advantage, the CCP must look to establish further diplomatic ties and support, and improve their existing relations with nations such as the communists of Korea and the Soviet Union. Discussion and debate will revolve around improving their foreign reputation, gaining more internal recognition, and securing further military or economic support from nations.
Topic B – Stabilizing the War-torn Nation
Even after massive land grabs and power gains since the end of the World War, the Communist society is facing severe poverty, land distribution issues, and a weak economy. Over a 100 million people under Communist jurisdiction are subject to extreme living conditions. CCP officials face the challenge of bringing economic and societal stability to their people, while managing the burden of a civil war. Delegates will discuss and implement solutions for economic and societal improvement and reform, public care, and improving access to necessities.
