Sino - US Relations (1971-72) Flashcards
What was Nixon’s role in changing relations with China?
- 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
What was the artichoke approach and example?
- 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.
Who were Nixon’s diplomatic contacts?
France, Romania and Pakistan
How did Nixon use the diplomatic contacts?
(What in 1970?)
- 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.
How did China play a part in improving relations?
- 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.
Why did Mao want improved relations?
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.
When was Ping-Pong diplomacy?
April 1971
What was Ping - Pong diplomacy?
- US ping pong team invited to visit Beijing
- Symbolic gesture of diplomacy and foreign policy gesture
When did Kissinger visit Beijing and secret or public?
July 1971
- Secret
What was the agreement made when Kissinger visited Beijing?
Agreement to establish a presidential visit and a Sino – American summit meeting in early 1972
When did Kissinger make a second visit to Beijing?
October 1971
What was the purpose and ending of Kissinger’s second visit?
- To prepare for Nixon’s visit
- Kissinger failed to persuade China to pressurise N. Vietnam into engaging in a peace process
When did Nixon visit China?
1972
What does Kissinger pretending to be ill when Nixon visited mean?
Secrecy reflected international tensions – PRC hadn’t been recognised and since 1966 and China’s Cultural Revolution, all Chinese ambassadors had been withdrawn from other countries
What were the obstacles to Sino-US rapproachement?
- Ideologies
- US’s role in Chinese Civil War
- US recognising Taiwan’s permanent seat on UN Security Council
- US not recognising PRC
- China mistrusted American detente with USSR
