The USA and China in the 1970s

Question 1

4 events that deteriorated relations with China

Answer 1

1) The USA had provided aid to Mao’s opponent, Chiang during the Chinese Civil War of 1945-1949
2) The Korean War 1950-1953
3) After the Korean War, the US put a trade embargo on China
4) The US established bases on Taiwan, which infuriated Mao

Question 2

Reasons for improved relations with China

• Mao

Answer 2

Mao believed that China needed Détente in order to stimulate Chinese trade and industry.

Question 3

Reasons for improved relations with China

• Nixon

Answer 3

Nixon saw an opportunity to exploit the worsened relations between China and the USSR

Nixon and Kissinger wanted to use China to counter Soviet power and force the USSR into détente

Question 4

Reasons for improved relations with China

• Vietnam

Answer 4

To end the war in Vietnam because the Chinese were close allies of the North Vietnamese (Policy of linkage)

Question 5

Significance of the Ping Pong game in 1971

Name 3 points

Answer 5

1) The US government lifted a trade embargo with China that had lasted over 20 years.
2) It led to the restoration of Sino-US relations.
3) The restoration of China’s legitimate rights in the UN