Exchange Database
Ping-Pong Diplomacy
While at an international table tennis competition in Japan, a U.S. player ended up riding on the Chinese team bus. Shortly thereafter, the Chinese invited the U.S. team to visit Beijing, and the U.S. Government approved.
Outcomes:
In April, the U.S. team arrived in China, the first semi-official delegation of Americans there in two decades, and soon thereafter the United States eased trade and travel restrictions with China. The Chinese ping-pong team came to the United States in 1972.
Contact Info:
U.S. Department of State, Public Broadcasting Service
Source:
Government?:
Yes
Type of Exchange:
diplomatic
Partners:
American Ping-Pong team
Sponsor(s):
United States Government
People's Republic of China
Participants (Types):
athletes, journalists
Number of Participants:
25
Exchange Date:
Tuesday, April 6, 1971 to Saturday, April 17, 1971
Continuing:
No
Level of Government:
national
Location:
Beijing, China
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