This Day in History: 10 April 2020
10 April 1971
49 years ago, today, the United States table tennis team began a weeklong visit to communist China, at the invitation of their government. This was a well-publicised trip, part of China's attempt to strengthen their diplomatic relations with the US, beginning 'ping-pong diplomacy'. Diplomatic relations between the two nations had ended in 1949, when the US cut the ties to the new government that had taken power. Throughout the next couple of decades, the two remained enemies, and during the Korean War, their armies clashed. This occurred again during the 1960s, in the Vietnam War, as they supported opposing sides. However, later on, China's government began to revaluate its policy with the US.
Several factors sparked this change. Chinese officials hoped that closer relations might act as a useful counterweight in Chinese relations with the Soviet Union. There were concerns from the Chinese communists that the Soviets were deviating from the Marxist ideology, resulting in some border skirmishes in 1969. However, the Chinese desire for US trade was another factor, and the invitation to the US table tennis team was a friendly gesture that signified the Chinese hopes for easing tension. This plan worked, as in June 1972, US President Nixon made a historic visit to China, starting talks about re-establishing diplomatic relations. As well as this, the Chinese table tennis team also toured America, sparking a short craze for the sport.
Want to find out more about ping-pong diplomacy's role in dissolving the Cold War? Click here for more information.
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