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Beginning of the Cold War
As WWII ended, two new superpowers USSR and USA emerged to compete for global influence and developed a deep divide between the former allies. Picture: Churchill and Truman at the famous “Iron Curtain” Speech, US Department of State -
Beginning of Isolation
US suspends diplomatic relations with China after the Communists won control of mainland China. Picture: Communists entering Beijing in 1949, US Department of State -
Start of Korean War
The Korean War heightens tension between US and China, who supported two warring sides. Picture:General MacArthur during the Korean War, US Department of State -
Mutual Defense Treaty between US and Taiwan Signed
Increasing tensions between Democratic Taiwan and Communist China lead to US pledging military support for Taiwan's defense. This drives US and China further apart. Picture: US Secretary of State Dulles signing the treaty,Taiwan Document Project -
Start of Vietnam War
The Vietnam War pitted US against a Chinese aided North Vietnam. This event led some to demand normalization of relations with the Chinese while others called for action against the Chinese. Picture: Marines land in Vietnam, History.com -
China-USSR relation deteriorates
Chinese Communist Party attacks USSR as revisionists of Communist, the first public sign of the growing split between former allies. Picture: Mao and Khrushchev, from Nuclear Test Ban Committee -
China becomes nuclear
China becomes a nuclear power with the detonation of its first nuclear bomb. This raises concern with the Americans, especially in the middle of the Cold War. Picture: China's first nuclear test, from Nuclear Test Ban Committee -
Ping Pong Diplomacy
US Ping-Pong team was invited by China to visit and play friendly matches. This was a gesture to the world that China would consider opening up. Picture: Panoramic view of a special table tennis exhibition in honor of P… by Atkins, Oliver F. -
Nixon announces visit
Nixon made a shocking Television announcement that he accepted China's secret offer for him to visit and preparations began for the exploration of an isolated nation. Picturel Nixon making the announcement, History.com -
Nixon arrives in China
This marked the beginning of a week long visit that was aimed at a normalization of relations between the two countries. Picture: Nixon lands on Chinese soil, by Bryon Shumaker -
US-China stablish official relations
The first US embassy since WWII was established in China, showing the effects of the Nixon visit nearly a decade after. Picture: Chief of US Liaison Office to China, George Bush, in front of the Liaison Office with an unidentified woman.
circa 1975 -
US-China permanent trade relations established
The final step in normalization of relations. Clinton agreed to grant the title of Permanent Trade Relations and would become one of US's biggest trade partners. Picture: Clinton greats Chinese General Secretary Jiang Zemin, national archives
