Tomorrow Donald Trump lands in Beijing. Since he does not read books and lacks knowledge about many things, he may know precious little about what happened in 1972, when Richard Nixon broke the ice and opened a new chapter in relations between the United States and China.
It was almost unbelievable. On a chilly February day 54 years ago, a smiling Nixon walked into Mao’s study and said: “Mr. Chairman! History has brought us together. The question is whether we, with our different ways of thinking, can achieve a breakthrough that will serve not only our two countries, but the whole world.”
“Seize the hour, and seize the day!” Mao muttered. He was ill and weakened, and could barely speak.
The United States and China had long been bitter enemies and had no diplomatic relations. But now there they sat, Mao and Nixon, each in an armchair, smiling at one another. The meeting lasted just under an hour. Days later, they agreed on a joint communiqué that created the framework for their future relationship. The visit did not end in full normalization, but it was nevertheless a strategic breakthrough for both countries.
