Cold War: China and the USA

Question 1

Why did Relations Improve after 1970 (5)

Answer 1

1. Sino-Soviet Confrontation, 1969:
   - Ideological and political split between China and USSR. Speculation around whether or not they might not launch attacks against each other.
2. Lin Biao Plot, 1971:
   - Assassination plot made Mao end the Cultural Revolution and made detente possible.
3. USA Stagflation:
   - Economic stagflation meant that the USA didn’t have the resources to fight communism worldwide, needed to try detente.
4. US defeat in Vietnam:
   - Nixon was convinced that reconciliation with China after their defeat in Vietnam would help relations
5. UN, 1971:
   - US changed its policy at the UN and recognised the PRC as the official ‘China’ at the UN.

Question 2

Ping Pong diplomacy: 1971

Answer 2

American table tennis team invited by China to attend games in Japan. Seen as a symbolic gesture that led to a thaw in relations between China and the USA.

Henry Kissinger was making secret visits to Zhou Enlai which paved the way for Nixon to meet Mao in Beijing.

Question 3

Thaw in Relations

Answer 3

Despite his tough anti-communist rhetoric, Nixon paved the way for a more flexible policy towards China.

This led to a realignment of power in the Cold War as the USA and China had a growing relationship while the relationship between China and the USSR worsened.

Question 4

Nixon’s Intentions

Answer 4

Wanted to jolt the Russians. Showed more interest in Beijing than in Moscow. He realised that he needed to keep China away from the communist world to prevent them from gaining too much power and support from allies.