Karina L. answered 01/11/20
Experienced Writing Teacher, Applications Coach, Fulbright Recipient
Initially, when Mao first came to power in China (1949), the Soviets were glad to have another Communist country (and bordering country) as an ally. Here is a transcript of Stalin acting like a mentor to Mao: https://china.usc.edu/conversation-between-soviet-unions-joseph-stalin-and-chinas-mao-zedong-1949
The Sino-Soviet split occurred later, in 1956, as there were differences in Communist ideology. But initially, when Mao first came to power, the Soviets were receptive to Mao.