Key events in Sino-US ping-pong diplomacy

Question 1

What were negotiations between the USA and China known as and why?

Answer 1

ping-pong diplomacy because one of the first signs of friendship between the nations was a ping-pong match played by the US and Chinese national ping-pong teams

Question 2

How was ping-pong diplomacy hugely significant for Mao?

Answer 2

During the Cultural Revolution, he encouraged Red Guards to sing The Ping-Pong Song, which likened table tennis to guerrilla warfare

Question 3

What happened in 1969 July?

Answer 3

Nixon relaxes trade and travel restrictions to China
USA recognises the PRC
Nixon initiates a secret dialogue with Mao through Pakistan

Question 4

What happened in 1971 April?

Answer 4

Mao invites the US ping-pong team to play an international match in China

Question 5

What happened in 1971 July?

Answer 5

Henry Kissinger visits China secretly to arrange a presidential visit, for the subsequent year

Question 6

What happened in 1971 October?

Answer 6

The USA backs the PRC’s entry into the UN

Question 7

What was significant about negotiations between the USA and China until mid-1971?

Answer 7

They were kept secret