Chou En-lai and the Opening to America
Abstract
When President Richard Nixon visited China in February 1972, the world applauded his boldness in reformulating America's China policy. However, the United States had to have a willing partner: China. Both international and domestic events would have pushed China to some accommodation with the United States, but the presence of a singularly gifted leader, Chou En-lai, contributed to a breakthrough. A keen strategic thinker, he found an ideal counterpart in the American national security advisor, Henry Kissinger. Working independently at first, the two men evaluated existing policies and concluded that a rapprochement was in order. Together, they set the stage for the successful Nixon visit which established the foundation for a new relationship between China and the United States. Much has been made of the contributions of Kissinger and Nixon, but a review of Chou's role and statecraft, as described in American sources, shows how he, in Kissingers words, "rescued an element of choice from the pressure of circumstance."
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA437555
Entities
People
- Margaret K. Mcmillion
Organizations
- National War College