![]() ![]() In January, China’s ambassador to Washington, Qin Gang, warned that the Taiwan issue was “the biggest tinderbox” between the two countries. Speaking at a press conference on 10 February, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, emphasised to his audience the phrase of “one China” – which in Beijing is called a “principle” but in Washington a “policy” – and said the document was “the political foundation for the normalisation of China-US relations and the establishment of diplomatic ties”. Beijing, at the same time, was keen to remind Washington of what it sees as the biggest achievement of Nixon’s trip: the Shanghai communique and the status of the island of Taiwan. This month, as both countries mark the anniversary, Washington has been embroiled in a mind game with Moscow over whether Vladimir Putin is to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On 4 February, the leaders of China and Russia declared: “there are no ‘forbidden’ areas of cooperation,” in a clear message to the US. In Beijing, there’s an increasingly louder view that the US is in its terminal decline and China’s system is ultimately superior. In Washington, critics now question the wisdom of Nixon’s 1972 trip many see China as an economic threat and – like Russia - a geopolitical enemy. Half a century on, this event has lost its sparkle in both capitals. From left: Mark Stone (as Chou En-Lai), James Maddalena (Richard Nixon) and Janis Kelly (Pat Nixon). ![]() Nixon in China, the opera, in an English National Opera production in 2006. Life Magazine’s Hugh Sidey recalled the murmur of a fellow journalist next to him at the airport: “My God, it’s like the arrival of the king.” Years later, the visit inspired an opera. When he landed at Andrews air force base outside Washington after the week in China, Nixon received a hero’s welcome led by his vice-president, Spiro Agnew. The trip was hailed as much a diplomatic breakthrough as a TV spectacular. The US also reaffirmed “its interest in a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question by the Chinese themselves”. On 27 February 1972, the United States “acknowledged ” that “all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China”. The week-long visit concluded with the signing of the Shanghai communique. He continued: “ said, ‘We don’t have to solve difficult problems – he didn’t say Taiwan specifically, but that’s what he was referring to – immediately.’ So basically he was saying we can postpone the Taiwan issue while we get on with areas we agree on, for example balancing the Soviet Union.” ![]() (I'm only two episodes but but this is the vibe I'm picking up on so far).At the 1972 China-US talks are (from left) Chinese premier Zhou Enlai, interpreter Nancy Tang, chairman Mao, president Nixon, national security adviser Henry Kissinger, Winston Lord and Mao’s grandniece, Wang Hairong. Watch with an open mind and realise people are allowed to think differently to you and you might not give this an absurd 1/10. Not to mention the fantastical quest for the escapism element, moral decisions and sacrifices that need to be contemplated. There's also the usual teenager angst of relationships, parental arguments, unique friends that don't fit in along with the draw of being one of the popular kids. The main character has to deal with the usual mild racism that depending on your view is all harmless fun or all highly offensive and the truth is that it probably lies somewhere in between. This show and the characters are well done and demonstrate simple good fun which reminds me of 90's/early 2000s shows. A full range of attitudes that reflects todays society. It's pretty balanced in that it has old school slightly offensive comedy, loads of entitled teenagers protesting (but still willing to have an honest conversation even if my personal opinion is that their views are jaded and unhelpful). It's crazy how a show can get such average ratings just because of gen z sensibilities and anti Chinese sentiment. ![]()
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