Contents
Sino-US Relations via Diplomatic Briefs 1970-1984
By. Caleb Apperson
Timeline 1: Sino-US Relations via Diplomatic Briefs
Summary: During the 1970s, former President Richard Nixon visited the People’s Republic of China and signed the Shanghai Communique, which was the first formal diplomatic negotiation since the founding of the PRC in 1949. Previously, up until 1971, the United Nations recognized the Republic of China in Taiwan as a UN Security Council representative for mainland China, but this soon changed after Nixon established the Shanghai Communique and sought to increase trade with the PRC. Nixon also hoped to put a quick end to the Vietnam War while China desired support for its resistance toward the Soviet Union (1922-1991).
1970: Letter from President Nixon to Chiang Kai-Shek (Generalissimo of the ROC from 1928-1975)
What Concerns did Nixon address in his response letter to Chiang Kai-Shek?
- The regional threat posed by the Chinese Communist Regime
- The ROC’s desire to strengthen their own diplomatic ties with America
- Why the US is pursuing a relationship with the PRC despite a difference in ideology
- https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76v17/d74
1969-1976 (Undated): Major General Vernon A. Walters (Prsidential aide, interpreter, and cross-cultural communicator from 1972-1976) message to the PRC
Purpose of letter?
- Establishing private communication between the US and PRC
- https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76v17/d84
1973: Letter to Premier Zhou Enlai (First Premier of the PRC from 1954-1976)
Why was it written? For what purpose?
- To better US relations with the PRC
Response?
- Zhou Enlai called for the quick cessation of the Vietnam War by arguing that the US’ relationship with the PRC should be treated as a priority over other US foreign interest.
- https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76v18/d3
During the 1980s, China began to undergo rapid economic development with the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the early 1980s. SEZs were designed to attract foreign investors by exempting them from taxes and regulations. Overtime, SEZs experienced incredible success as they expanded to the eastern coast of China. It was also at this time that President Reagan and Department of State Officials began to deepend US-China relations via diplomatic trips and communication.
1983: Second Meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian (1987-1992)
Purpose?
- Provided objectives and talking points for a second meeting between Secretary of State George Shultz and Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian, focusing on regional issues and matters not addressed during the first meeting.
- United States. Department of State. Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
- “Your Second Meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian, 9:30 AM,Thursday, February 3, 1983,” 1983, 14.
- https://www.proquest.com/government-official-publications/your-second-meeting-with-chinese-foreign-minister/docview/1679040717/se-2?accountid=14553
1983: Your Meeting with Deng Xiaoping (Chairman of the PRC from 1904-1997)
Why was it written?
- Provided objectives and talking points for upcoming meeting between Secretary of State Shultz and Deng Xiaoping.
- https://www.proquest.com/government-official-publications/your-meeting-with-deng-xiaoping/docview/1679041208/se-2.
1984: President Reagan’s trip to the People’s Republic of China
What did the brief do?
- Presented a summary, schedule, and talking points for President Reagan's meetings with Chinese leaders during his 1984 visit to China.
- United States. Department of State. “The Trip of President Reagan to the People’s Republic of China,” 1984, 12.
- https://www.proquest.com/government-official-publications/trip-president-reagan-peoples-republic-china/docview/1679040667/se-2?accountid=14553