American Experience Season 12 Episode 7 Nixon's China Game

In this episode of American Experience season 12, titled Nixon's China Game, viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most significant geopolitical events in modern history - the US-China rapprochement. The episode begins with the year 1971, a time when the United States and China were at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum, locked in a cold war that threatened to engulf much of the world.

Against this backdrop, the camera follows Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, as he embarks on an ambitious foreign policy initiative that would change the course of US-China relations forever. Nixon's China game was one of the most complex and high-stakes diplomatic maneuvers in history, involving secret meetings, back-channel negotiations, and a carefully orchestrated public relations campaign.

The episode explores the historical context surrounding the opening of US-China relations, including the impact of the Soviet Union, the Vietnam War, and the domestic political landscape of the United States. Through interviews with historians, political experts, and participants in the events of the time, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the monumental significance of the Nixon administration's decision to engage with China.

Some of the key players featured in the episode include Henry Kissinger, Nixon's national security advisor, who was instrumental in the negotiations with the Chinese government. Key Chinese figures like Zhou Enlai, the Premier of the People's Republic of China, are also highlighted, as are lesser-known participants like Anne Armstrong, the only woman on Nixon's negotiating team.

As the episode unfolds, viewers observe the intricate web of relationships and deals that were necessary to bring about the US-China rapprochement. From secret visits to Beijing to elaborate banquets and tours of the Great Wall, the Nixon administration pulled out all the stops to win over their Chinese counterparts. Meanwhile, the public relations campaign back home was equally crucial, as Nixon and his team carefully crafted a message that would sell this unprecedented move to the American people.

The episode also touches on some of the controversies and ethical concerns that arose during the course of the negotiations. For example, the decision to keep the details of the negotiations secret from the American people and Congress was criticized as an abuse of presidential power. Similarly, some historians have criticized the emphasis on trade and economic exchange, arguing that it allowed China to develop into a major world power without addressing human rights violations or democratic freedoms.

Despite these criticisms, there can be no denying the enormous impact of the Nixon administration's decision to open relations with China. The episode provides a compelling narrative of how this came about, showcasing the personalities, tactics, and forces that shaped one of the most significant shifts in global politics in modern times.

Overall, Nixon's China Game is an engaging and informative episode of American Experience that sheds light on the complex history of US-China relations. With expert analysis, historical footage, and personal accounts from some of the key players, viewers are transported back in time to witness the drama and intrigue that surrounded this pivotal moment in international diplomacy.