President Nixon and Chinese leader Mao Zedong
Former U.S. President Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to the People’s Republic of China marked a new era for the two country’s diplomatic relations. The parties discussed key strategic and diplomatic overture at the time. This culminated in the Nixon administration’s willingness to open up to mainland China following years of diplomatic isolation. In this historic photo, Nixon is seen shaking hands with Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The country was also seeking to improve relations with a Communist country during the Cold War.