3. Opening the Door to Normalized Relations
President Nixon’s 1972 visit to China laid the groundwork for the 1979 formal establishment of diplomatic relations. During the visit, the Shanghai Communiqué was issued, acknowledging the “One China” policy and setting the stage for future negotiations. This communiqué addressed the Taiwan issue, allowing both nations to set aside differences temporarily to open trade and other contacts. The principles established in the communiqué provided the basis for the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1979. (history.state.gov)
