Nixon?

U.S. President Nixon shaking hands with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai (Chou EnLai) standing at the foot of the Air Force One stair ramp, while Pat Nixon and Chinese officials stand nearby, February 21, 1972, symbolically ending 17 years of Sino-American tension. (National Archives)

U.S. President Richard Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai toast, February 25, 1972. (Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum)

Joint Communique issued at Shanghai, February 27, 1972 (Full Text Available)

Richard Nixon visited the People's Republic of China in 1972 and signed the "Shanghai Communique" with the Chinese government. This was not only a sign of the beginning of normalization of China-US relations,but also ended 25 years without communication between the two countries. In addition, this is the first time an American president had ever visited Chinese mainland.

or Carter?

On January 31, 1979, Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping and President Jimmy Carter sign historic diplomatic agreements between the United States and China. (Carter Center)

Deng Xiaoping and Jimmy Carter during Sino-American signing ceremony. Taken on January 31, 1979 by Karl H. Schumacher. (National Archives)

Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China. January 1, 1979. (Full Text Available)

China and the U.S. signed the Joint Communique on Jan. 1st 1979. Finally, the official relations between the two countries was established. Deng Xiaoping visited the US on Jan. 28th 1979.

Using Data Visualization

Word Cloud of comments made by both Deng and Carter on the foundation of China-US official diplomatic relations.

Both Chinese and American officials believe that the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries not only benefits the interests of the people of the two countries, but also enhances peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world.

Conclusion:

Nixon carried the relations forward between China and the U.S.

His visit to China was the key step to normalize the relations between the U.S. and China.

However, he did not achieve official diplomatic relations with China.

The Carter administration signed the "Joint Communique" with China in 1979.

Therefore, Carter achieved official diplomatic relations with China.

Exhibit designed by Yunze Li, MA student of sociology