Nixon's trip to China, 1972

Question 1

When did Nixon fly to China?

Answer 1

February 1972

Question 2

Why was Nixon’s trip a risk?

Answer 2

There was no guarantee that Mao would agree to see the US President

Question 3

How did Mao feel about Nixon’s visit?

Answer 3

He was genuinely excited about meeting a world leader and the two men met and established a good working relationship

Question 4

What happened as a result of the meeting between Nixon and Mao?

Answer 4

The two leaders published the Shanghai Communique of 28 February 1972

Question 5

What happened under the Communique? 5

Answer 5

Acknowledged substantial disagreements over Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan
Committed the USA and China to a relationship of peaceful co-existence based on mutual respect
Stated that the USA and China would seek to normalise the relationship by 1976, they would establish formal diplomatic links
Pledged that the two powers would work together to resist any country that sought to dominate South-East Asia
Committed the USA and China to increase co-operation and trade

Question 6

What was bad about Nixon’s trip?

Answer 6

It didn’t fully normalise the relationship between the USA and China

Question 7

How was Nixon’s trip significant?

Answer 7

Shocked the US public and the leaders of the USSR, changing the dynamics of the CW relationship