sky_sailor2000,

While Kim Il Sung could not have invaded South Korea without Stalin's assistance and backing, he planned the invasion himself. It was his brain child, and he didn't want Russia or China involved at any point, because he believed that his great and powerful army could easily defeat the South. He also believed that the US would not get involved.

Stalin provided weapons, financial backing and some strategic planning. But he really didn't want any part of it because he knew that the US would automatically blame Russia (which they did) for the invasion. He kept his distance from the invasion.

While Stalin's desire to kick the Americans out of Germany may have helped influence his decision to help Sung carry out his master plan, Sung spent months trying to convince Stalin that it was a good idea to invade the South. Even when the North got in over its head during the fall of 1950 when the Americans crossed the 38th parallel, Stalin stayed out of it and Sung had to go to China for help.

Whatever the reasoning behind the start of the war--Stalin's desire to get rid of Americans in Germany, or the unification of North and South Korea--the fact the Chinese are opening their archives is great for the families of these missing soldiers.