22 February 1972 : Richard Nixon begins a seven-day visit to the People’s Republic of China - the first visit to the country by a US president

Peking, February 21

Capping one of the most improbable of days, President Nixon and the Chinese Premier Chou En-lai [Zhou Enlai] toasted each other at a sumptuous banquet tonight in words that promised success for their summit talks this week.

From the archive, 21 February 1972: Anti-American slogans greet Nixon in Peking Read more

Mr Chou hailed Mr Nixon’s visit to China as a “positive move,” observed that “the gate to friendly contact had finally been opened,” and said the great differences between the two nations “should not hinder China and the United States from establishing normal state relations.”

Then while many among the more than 600 people present were still discussing the tone and content of Mr Chou’s toast, Mr Nixon rose to compliment his host’s remarks in his own toast. Urging that the two nations should try to bridge the gulf that separates them without compromising their principles. Mr Nixon drew applause from the Chinese by alluding to one of the most sacred episodes in history of Chinese communism – the long march of Chairman Mao Tse-tung and his followers in 1934-35.

He asked that the Chinese leaders should join him during the next five days on “a long march” towards better relations and a world structure of peace.

To underline the larger vision he has of the long-range potential of an accommodation with China, the President said: “what we say here will not be long remembered. What we do here can change the world.” And Richard M. Nixon, the former uncompromising cold warrior, quoted from the thoughts of Mao Tse-tung to buttress his case for normalising relations with China.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest President Richard Nixon and first lady Pat Nixon lead the way as they take a tour of China’s Great Wall, near Beijing, February 1972. Photograph: AP

“Chairman Mao,” he said, “has written: ‘so many deeds cry out to be done, and always urgently. The world rolls on. Time passes. Ten thousand years are too long. Seize the day, seize the hour.’ “This is the hour,” Mr Nixon added. “This is the day for our two peoples to rise to the heights of greatness which can build a new and better world.”

The President and Mr Chou spoke on a platform against a backdrop of a huge replica of an American flag alongside one of the Red Flag of China. Mr Nixon’s improbable day also included a secret one-hour meeting with Mao at the Chairman’s home near the Forbidden City. Other events for the President included:

Politics and food: President Nixon in China, February 1972 Read more

A correct but austere reception upon the President’s arrival at Peking.

Hearing the People’s Liberation Army Band play The Star Spangled Banner first at the airport and again at the banquet. The main banquet hall also echoed with PLA Band’s rendition of Home on the Range, American the Beautiful and Turkey in the Straw.

A proletarian state dinner, a contradiction in terms but an apt description of the occasion. All of the estimated 300 Americans here for Mr Nixon’s visit were invited to the dinner Mr Chou gave in honour of the President.

A banquet repast of countless courses that included shark’s fin and steamed chicken with coconut and almond junket (a type of pudding).

Mr Nixon consumed little Mao Tai, a potent Chinese drink distilled from sorghum. He seemed merely to let the white liquor touch his lips as toasts were exchanged.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The Guardian, 22 February 1972.

This is an edited extract.