Totalitarian China under Mao Tse-tung is set on an expansionist course. This path runs counter to Russia's design for mastery and may precipitate war between the two, or insurrection, according to Benjamin I. Schwartz, assistant professor of Far Eastern History.

Recalling some of Mao's early military writing, Schwartz agreed that China's Red boss favors imperialism. "The temper of the present regime is expansionist in the long run," he said, although the Chinese would probably like a peaceful breather in which to consolidate their gains and industrialize.

While the Chinese Communists were not pushed into the Korean war by the Soviets as were the North Koreans, now that they are involved, Schwartz feels, they won't give up except on their own terms. At home, they are skillfully using the emergency to "further regiment the economy and the people."

"They have just about gone the whole way toward totalitarianism with all its accompanying horrors," he stated.

Not Under Russia's Thumb

China is by no means under the thumb of Russia as are the Satellite nations, Swartz believes. Although the Soviets' ultimate aim is "complete control from Moscow," they must go slow. A dilemma: if they try to take direct control at this time, they face angry resentment from the Chinese; if they treat China as an exception, they can expect jealously from their satellites.

Schwartz sees two heartening possibilities for the West. He feels that the regime may fall from within, "although I doubt if anything short of American intervention can bring this off," or the ambitious Chinese may tangle with the Soviets in the future.

"Large segments of the population are embittered," he said. The government has separated families, turned children against their parents, handled land reform clumsily. In Southern China numerous independent guerrilla bands have taken over whole districts.

The guerrillas lack central political organization, however, Schwartz thinks. It is a question whether many people are disillusioned enough to follow" completely discredited" Chiang. He spoke of possible third force of anti-Red, anti-Chiang patriots arising, but saw little promise in this hope.

Schwartz was careful to add that no "dry forest" situation exists in china. The government has carefully catered to the army and to the students. He said that probably outweighing discontent, is the powerful yearning for unity and order, something the Chinese have had little of in recent history