Richard Nixon meets with Mao Zedong in Beijing, February 21, 1972
U.S. President Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to the People's Republic of China was an important step in formally normalizing relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC). It marked the first time a U.S. president
had visited the PRC, who at that time considered the U.S. one of its
staunchest foes, and the voyage ended 25 years of separation between the
two countries.
Prior to even being elected president, Richard Nixon had sought better relations with the PRC; early in his first term he and National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger
began sending subtle overtures hinting at warmer relations to the
government of the PRC. After a series of these overtures by both
countries, Kissinger flew on secret diplomatic missions to Beijing and in July 1971, the President announced that he would visit the PRC the following year.
Occurring from February 21 to 28, 1972, the visit allowed the
American public to view images of China for the first time in over two
decades. Throughout the week the President and his most senior advisers
engaged in substantive discussions with the PRC, including a meeting
with Chairman Mao Zedong, while First Lady Pat Nixon toured schools, factories and hospitals in the cities of Peking, Shanghai and Hangzhou with the large American press corps in tow. Nixon dubbed the visit "the week that changed the world."
The repercussions of the Nixon visit are vast, and included a significant shift in the Cold War balance, pitting the PRC with the U.S. against the Soviet Union. Nixon going to China has since become a metaphor for an unexpected or uncharacteristic action by a politician.
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