Sino - US Relations (1971-72) Flashcards
1
Q
What was Nixon’s role in changing relations with China?
A
- In 1968, he commented that the US should seek opportunities to talk with China and actively seek to make changes.
- Due to China becoming a developing nuclear power and major political force in Asia
2
Q
What was the artichoke approach and example?
A
- Gradual peeling off of restrictions layer by layer, rather than wholesale removal of controls.
- First tentative steps in July 1969, when the USA removed some trade controls and relaxed some travel restrictions.
3
Q
Who were Nixon’s diplomatic contacts?
A
France, Romania and Pakistan
4
Q
How did Nixon use the diplomatic contacts?
(What in 1970?)
A
- Aim of these was to use their diplomatic connections with China to promote the idea of a US willingness to work towards improving Sino-American relations.
- By early 1970, some initial diplomatic connections between China and USA had been established in Warsaw.
5
Q
How did China play a part in improving relations?
A
- Policy shift away from dual confrontation with USSR and the USA and a recognition that the USSR represented a greater threat to China
- Mao’s realisation that there was a changing balance of power between China, USA and USSR.
6
Q
Why did Mao want improved relations?
A
Mao did not reject the potential threat of USA, he simply saw USSR as the greater and more immediate threat – made sense to form an alliance with the USA in order to address, in the short term, the immediate threat from USSR.
7
Q
When was Ping-Pong diplomacy?
A
April 1971
8
Q
What was Ping - Pong diplomacy?
A
- US ping pong team invited to visit Beijing
- Symbolic gesture of diplomacy and foreign policy gesture
9
Q
When did Kissinger visit Beijing and secret or public?
A
July 1971
- Secret
10
Q
A
