A collection of scholars, journalists, writers and retired officials recall an historic mission and reflect on its purpose, consequences and lessons.
Henry Kissinger and Zhou Enlai in the Great Hall of the People, 10 November, 1973. Credit: Bettmann via Getty Images
President Nixon’s visit to China has come to be viewed by historians as one of the most important geopolitical events since the Second World War. It also had a profound impact on the lives of many young Chinese and Americans who have since become eminent in their fields, from diplomacy and academia, to the arts and sports. As part of our edition marking the 50th anniversary of Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China, which prepared the way for Nixon’s trip in 1972, The Wire spoke to several individuals about the impact of the event on their lives — whether they were directly involved or far removed from the action — and their views on how relations between the U.S. and China have since developed.
Wei Jingsheng
Ai Weiwei
Ma Jian
Dwight L. Chapin
Chas W. Freeman Jr.
Jerome A. Cohen
Judy Hoarfrost
Jan Berris
Richard Bernstein
Ted Koppel
Nicholas R. Lardy
Minxin Pei
Susan Shirk
Anthony Saich
Robert A. Kapp
J. Stapleton Roy
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