Rapprochement

Question 1

Nixon’s visit to China, 1972

Answer 1

• Global interest to USA if that China and USSR normalised relationship
• USA reduce military installations on Taiwan (didn’t recognise one china policy)
• Encourage greater contact through increased trade (expanded from $5 mill to $500 mill within next 10 years), cultural links and travel by citizens
• Neither China nor USA seek political domination in Asia-Pacific region

Question 2

Reasons for rapprochement

Answer 2

• USSR greater threat to China after sino-soviet split
• death of most vocal opponent to improved relations with USA Lin Biao died removing barriers
• USA wanted solution to Vietnam problem
• USA recognised growing power and strategic significance of China

Question 3

Ping-Pong diplomacy

Answer 3

• Secret talks 1969=USA removed some trade or travel restrictions
• USA utilised diplomatic contacts like France to persuade China that American’s were open to improving relations
• January 1970 Chinese and Soviet ambassadors to Poland met to arrange talks
• Chinese and American ping pong teams met in competition in April 1970 and then invited to China as friendly gesture
• Kissinger secretly visited Zhou Enlai (pm) late 1971 and agreed for Nixon to visit

Question 4

Impact on US-Soviet relations

Answer 4

• Alarmed Soviet Union
• Pushed Soviet’s to foster better relations with the Americans
• resulted in Moscow summit 1972