Exchange Database

Henry Kissinger Makes a Secret Trip to Beijing

After several rounds of backdoor diplomacy through go-betweens, National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger made a secret trip to the PRC in order to meet with Zhou Enlai and other senior Chinese leaders to pave the way for a visit by President Nixon.
Outcomes: 
These trips marked the reopening of direct ties between Washington and Beijing, after more than 20 years of non-recognition.
Government?: 
Yes
Type of Exchange: 
diplomatic
Sponsor(s): 
United States Government
Participants (Types): 
government official
Number of Participants: 
1
Exchange Date: 
Friday, July 9, 1971 to Sunday, July 11, 1971
Continuing: 
No
Level of Government: 
national
Location: 
Beijing, China
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Commission Report

Polls show Americans and Chinese are becoming less trustful of each other’s country. The Commission assesses the problem and offers recommendations to foster greater U.S.-China collaboration and understanding.

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