Question

Which of the following are true about America’s relationship with China in the early 1970s?

Check all of the boxes that apply.

The relationship was improving.

The relationship remained the same as it had been over the last two decades.

The relationship provided increased leverage with the Soviet Union.

Table tennis players were used in diplomatic relations.

The Soviet Union helped facilitate the relationship.

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- The relationship was improving. — True. Nixon and Kissinger opened a diplomatic thaw (ping‑pong diplomacy in 1971, Nixon’s 1972 visit), beginning normalization after decades of hostility.
- The relationship provided increased leverage with the Soviet Union. — True. The US used rapprochement with China to exploit the Sino‑Soviet split and gain bargaining leverage against Moscow.
- Table tennis players were used in diplomatic relations. — True. “Ping‑pong diplomacy” in 1971 helped kickstart the opening.

Incorrect:
- The relationship remained the same as it had been over the last two decades. — False; it changed dramatically from isolation/hostility to rapprochement.
- The Soviet Union helped facilitate the relationship. — False; the Sino‑Soviet split, not Soviet facilitation, was a key factor prompting the US to reach out to China.