China would have been leveled....end of discussion.
China
The clue is in the name, Sino -- to do with China.
The USSR gave aid to North Vietnam. China sent aid to the Vietcong via North Vietnam.
The Korean War was fought between the Russians (Soviets) and the US; using North & South Koreans, and free world troops, and using the peninsula of Korea (the country of Korea) as a battleground. The Soviet Union and United States TESTED there equipment against each other. Korea was a testing ground between the US & Soviets.
Constant alert for any hostile moves. If the Soviets entered the South China Sea, US forces were there to greet them. If the Soviets flew near Alaska, US aircraft shadowed them. If the Soviets had a fleet exercise near the US west coast, the US would be there watching (closely).
China
The clue is in the name, Sino -- to do with China.
China and The soviets
Richard Nixon improved relations with China.
china was a growing and influential nation
Most definitely. Simply had to invade North Vietnam. If the Soviets or Red China intervened; use nuclear weapons against them. Which is why North Vietnam wasn't invaded.
(Apex) China launched a government-led program to industrialize its military and economy.
China x
Red China, mostly, but the Soviets gave them some aid, as well.
The USSR gave aid to North Vietnam. China sent aid to the Vietcong via North Vietnam.
the US actively supported the republic of China, and the Soviets did the same for the People's Republic of China
china was a growing and influential nation