Chapter 14: Relations with China Flashcards
How had US and Chinese perspectives changed?
President Nixon and his principle adviser on foreign policy Henry Kissinger recognised the advantages of improved Sino-American relations, and China realised self-imposed international isolation was of no advantage to them.
What had happened between Sino-Soviet Relations?
Were worsening, by late 1960s there were clashes between Soviet and Chinese troops on the Sino-Soviet border. Mao Zedong even claimed USSR had slipped back into capitalism (criticised Soviets over backing down over CMC).
What were Nixons thoughts towards China?
He was the prime mover in changing US policy towards China. 1968, commented that US should seek opportunities to talk with China nd actively seek to make changes. Realised China was a developing nuclear power and a major political and strategic force in Asia. China was a communist power individual of the Soviet Union.
What were the first steps?
1969, US removed some trade controls and relaxed some travel restrictions. The ‘artichoke approach’.
What was the ‘artichoke’ approach?
Gradual peeling off restrictions layer by layer rather than the wholesale removal of controls.
What happened by early 1970?
Some initial diplomatic connections between China and USA had been established in Warsaw. Mao did not reject US as a threat, simply saw the Soviet Union as being an even greater threat. It made sense to form alliance with USA in the long term to address immediate threat of USSR.
What happened in July 1971?
Kissinger (Nixon’s principal advisor on foreign policy) visited Bejing. Agreement to establish a presidential visit and a Sino-American summit meeting early 1972.
How was a further barrier between US-Sino Relations Removed 1972?
Unexpected death of Mao’s designated successor and opponent of SA relations, Lin Biao Sep 1972. Strengthened Mao and Zhov’s ability to improve USA relations.
How did Kissinger fail?
Despite his efforts, Kissinger failed to persuade China to pressurise N Vietnam into engaging in a peace process.
What happened October 1971?
Kissinger second trip to Bejing in preparation for the Nixon visit.
