Nixon Foundation celebrates 40 years of US-China relations

The 40th anniversary of the US and China establishing diplomatic relations was celebrated with a special dinner hosted by the Nixon Foundation that was attended by members of the family of Richard Nixon, whose 1972 trip to China was the key step in normalizing relations between the two countries.

The event on Thursday was attended by Zhang Ping, Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, and more than 100 representatives from government and business sectors of China and the US. It was held at the Hilton San Gabriel Hotel in San Gabriel, California, about 11 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The Richard Nixon Foundation is based at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California.

"The establishment of China-US diplomatic relations is a historic event that produced far-reaching impact on the evolution of international relations," said Zhang.

The current relationship between US and China stands at another crucial juncture, he said, adding that China and the US are partners for cooperation, not strategic rivals.

"The history of four-decade-long relationship proves that cooperation is the only right choice for China and the US, which will deliver win–win results whereas confrontation will end up with a loss for both sides," Zhang said.

Edward Nixon, the youngest and the only surviving brother of Richard Nixon, and his nephew, Donald Nixon, attended the event.

Edward Nixon, 88, made a toast in honor of the younger generation.

"Why don't we propose a toast to our children, worldwide. They have to pick up the mistakes that we make, and make it better," he said.

When asked about his thoughts on the 40-year relationship between US and China, he said that there should be more exchanges and communication between the two countries.

"It's just the beginning, we've just started, but the kids got to learn something, teach them, everything," he said. "Bring them here to learn. We should go over there and learn and listen. Nobody talks until you hear everything."

The week-long visit, from February 21 to 28, 1972, by Nixon and his wife to the People's Republic of China was the first time a US president had visited the country. It ended with the issuing of the Shanghai Communique, which set into motion the slow process of the normalization of relations between the two countries. On January 1, 1979, official diplomatic relations were established between the US and China.

William Baribault, president and CEO of the Nixon Foundation, recognized the importance of "the week that changed the world," as Nixon called his visit.

"As many in this room could attest, millions of lives were changed as a result of this ground-breaking trip," he said.

John Gong, a member of the Nixon Foundation and a key organizer of the banquet, said he wanted to emphasize the importance of a harmonious relationship between the US and China, especially during the current trade tensions.

"We just want to have a harmonious meeting to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between US and China," said Gong, who also serves as chairman and CEO of Athena Technologies Inc.

Contact the writer at teresaliu@chinadailyusa.com