US should learn from Richard Nixon’s visit to China, says Beijing
- The Chinese foreign ministry marks 50th anniversary of former president’s groundbreaking visit with appeal to avoid conflict
- Beijing says the two sides should maintain mutual respect and seek common ground
Despite the diplomatic tensions, the two sides will organise a series of joint events to mark the 50th anniversary of Nixon’s historical visit in 1972, according to Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin. There has been no comment yet from the US side about possible joint events.
“Differences and conflicts between the two countries are inevitable, but the key is to effectively manage them through frank communication, prevent strategic miscalculation and avoid conflict and confrontation.”, Wang told a regular press conference in Beijing on Monday.
At the peak of the Cold War, Nixon arrived in China on February 21, 1972, ending a diplomatic freeze that had seen communication between the two sides cut since the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949 and subsequent Korean war.
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Nixon in China: How a US presidential trip made history 50 years ago
During his week-long stay, Nixon met Chinese leader Mao Zedong and the visit saw the publication of the Shanghai Communiqué, which stated their intention to normalise relations
Wang said the Shanghai Communiqué had confirmed the “one-China” principle and “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence”, including mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; non-aggression; non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries; equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.