Debate & Diplomacy of Ping Pong Diplomacy

PING PONG DIPLOMACY –
UNDERSTANDING THE SINO-AMERICAN RELATIONSHIP
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February 26, 2022
Understanding the importance of historical events in the development of international relations between countries is essential for any scholar and policy-maker. It allows them to have a better understanding and appreciation of how various socio-political, cultural, and economic circumstances affect the relationships between different nation-states as well as the broader community around them. In line with this, this article would focus on the series of events that scholars and historians call the 'Ping-Pong Diplomacy, during the 1970s. Specifically, these series of events led to the development of the US-PRC political and economic agreements, which benefited both countries in the long run. To understand this, the following section would initially provide the background of the international events that transpired worldwide and then shift to the development and benefits of diplomatic relationships between China and the United States. Overall, the author believes that the current developments that both countries enjoy would be very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve without these series of events.[Itoh, MayumI. 2011. The origin of Ping-Pong diplomacy: the forgotten architect of Sino-US rapprochement. Springer.]
Historical Background
The background of the Ping Pong Diplomacy happened during the Cold War Period, which is one of the reasons for its importance in ending the period of impasse. In the early 1950s, both the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China (PRC) allied together in what was known as the Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Assistance. This treaty underscored the various international relationships in terms of economic, political, and military relationships between the two countries, which includes the necessity to consult one another in matters regarding the "strengthening of peace and universal security." However, despite the agreement to help one another improve their political, economic, and military relationship, such alliance began to deteriorate after Joseph Stalin criticized their criticism against the PRC after 1956. After that, the Chinese solely introduced their own international policy known as the Great Leap Forward, which was different from the Soviet Model and what was agreed between the two nations.[Xia, Yafeng. 2006. "Negotiating with the enemy: US-China talks during the Cold War, 1949-1972." Indiana University Press.]
However, one of China's problems was that this new and progressive Model was incompatible with their isolationist policy. In fact, this incompatibility is one of the reasons why millions of Chinese died of starvation and famine as the country tried to reconstruct its society from agrarian to one that is primarily led by communist beliefs. Before, the Soviet Model allowed their economic policies to be effective by strengthening its alliance with the Soviet Union. However, as this relationship deteriorated, it had to start forming new relationships with the West, which it found challenging, especially since the United States has a long-standing trade embargo against it.[Kobierecki, Michał Marcin. 2016. "Ping–Pong Diplomacy and its Legacy in the American Foreign Policy." Polish Political Science Yearbook 45, no. 1 304-316.]
The Cultural Revolution and its Effects
As stated earlier, the Great Leap Forward implemented by the PRC has caused famine, poverty, and countless deaths in China. As a response to this, the government has instituted a more radical leadership known as the Cultural Revolution, which also led to China regaining its competitiveness and influence on the global stage. However, because of the significant increase in radical leadership, China wanted to regain its glory, especially in the dominated fields. For example, since PRC is considered to be a global champion in Table Tennis, the State forced its players to work hard to maintain its status as the international champion in the game. World-class players were forced to go to "reeducation camps or were executed while coaches were imprisoned or committed suicide".[Xu, Guoqi. 2008. Olympic dreams: China and sports, 1895-2008. Harvard University Press.] [Xu, pg. 127]
Building Diplomatic Relationships and the Conflict with Taiwan
As stated earlier, the PRC decided to give more focus to international events such as sports and participation in the United Nations and sporting activities. However, one of the problems that consistently arose during these efforts was the conflict between the PRC and Taiwan (Republic of China), which even posed another problem regarding their representation in the events. During those times, Taiwan had solid diplomatic relationships with both the United States and Japan, as evidenced by the 1969 "Taiwan Clause," which highlighted its importance as an ally for both Taiwan and the United States alike. This, together with the initial consideration of Taiwan as an independent nation-state (by virtue of being a member of the UN), led to conflicts between the two states.[Itoh, MayumI. 2011. The origin of Ping-Pong diplomacy: the forgotten architect of Sino-US rapprochement. Springer.]
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