How Ping Pong Diplomacy Changed the Course of Cold War

The story of two rival nations becoming allies- the USA and China

A woman holds up Ping-Pong paddles with images of U.S. President Richard Nixon and Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong. Dortmund, Germany, 1971. (Source: Associated Press)

The word ping-pong refers to the sport of table tennis in Asian countries. This is a story and lesson from Pingpong Diplomacy, an important part of cold war history.

The People’s Republic of China, as we know, was formed in 1949 by the Communist Revolution. It was earlier called the Kuomintang Republic of China under the Nationalist party, which later faced a civil war ending with a Communist victory. After the loss, the Nationalist Party fled to the Island of Formosa, also known as Taiwan. It called itself the Republic of China.

For a very long time, both the countries contested with each other on who is the real China. The United States recognised the Republic of China as the real China, mostly opposing the spread of Communism and supporting the democratic govt. in Taiwan.

For a long period, close to twenty years, the Republic of China enjoyed a lot of perks, including the UN Security Council Seat. On the other hand, the People’s Republic of China sided with United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) as they were ideologically compatible. That has been the benchmark of Mainland China’s foreign policy. Similarly, China supported USSR in spreading the idea of Communism…