20. The Opening of China
In 1972, President Nixon’s historic meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong marked the beginning of China’s opening to the world. This diplomatic breakthrough paved the way for China’s gradual embrace of economic reforms and integration into global trade networks. The ripple effects of this shift have been profound, fueling China’s rapid growth and reshaping international relations, commerce, and supply chains. Today’s interconnected global economy owes much to the bold diplomatic steps and vision that began in the 1970s.
