It is still amazing to think of this picture. This is Air Force One landing in China 40 years ago this week.
We will soon celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pres Nixon's trip to China.
It is still the most incredible presidential trips in US history. Can you think of another one more unexpected or revolutionary?
Pres Nixon had built his career as an anti-communist and strong supporter of the US military superiority. He was the last person in the world that any would have expected to go to China and shake Mao's hand.
Well, he did and changed international relations.
His visit to China also created the political phrase or the "Nixon to China" moment. It became a phrase to describe a presidential move that went against conventional wisdom.
We learned later that Secretary of State Kissinger had planed to the trip for months.
Pres Nixon's motives were to improve relations with China and divide the two communist superpowers. He also understood the potential of China, diplomatically and economically. Eventually, we developed our relationship with China but kept strong ties with Taiwan with care and diplomacy.
Today, China is an emerging superpower with a billion people and lots of challenges. Time will tell whether China will continue to grow or blow up from within. Again, time will tell.
Click here for our conversation with Bill Katz:
We will soon celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pres Nixon's trip to China.
It is still the most incredible presidential trips in US history. Can you think of another one more unexpected or revolutionary?
Pres Nixon had built his career as an anti-communist and strong supporter of the US military superiority. He was the last person in the world that any would have expected to go to China and shake Mao's hand.
Well, he did and changed international relations.
His visit to China also created the political phrase or the "Nixon to China" moment. It became a phrase to describe a presidential move that went against conventional wisdom.
We learned later that Secretary of State Kissinger had planed to the trip for months.
Pres Nixon's motives were to improve relations with China and divide the two communist superpowers. He also understood the potential of China, diplomatically and economically. Eventually, we developed our relationship with China but kept strong ties with Taiwan with care and diplomacy.
Today, China is an emerging superpower with a billion people and lots of challenges. Time will tell whether China will continue to grow or blow up from within. Again, time will tell.
Click here for our conversation with Bill Katz:
Listen to internet radio with Silvio Canto Jr on Blog Talk Radio
Tags: President Nixon went to China 40 years ago To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the My View by Silvio Canto, Jr. Thanks!
