Nixon in China (phrase)

The phrase "Nixon in China" or "Nixon goes to China" [http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=164] is a historical reference to United States President Richard Nixon's visit to the People's Republic of China (P.R.C.) in 1972, where he met with Chairman Mao Zedong. A more explicit variant with the same metaphor is, "Only Nixon could go to China."

Nixon's China visit was of particular significance because it marked the beginning of a process of normalization in Sino-American relations — the two countries had been estranged for many years as the United States was ardently anti-Communist and the P.R.C. had viewed the United States as its top enemy.

Because Nixon had an undisputed reputation of being a staunch anti-Communist, he was largely immune to any criticism of being "soft on Communism" by figures on the right of American politics. The phrase "Nixon going to China" is thus an analogy which refers to the unique ability that hardline politicians have to challenge political taboos and third rail issues. Only a proven hardline right-wing politician can succeed in challenging a conservative sacred cow, and vice versa for left-wingers.

Examples

*Though it occurred before Nixon's visit to China, the creation of the Federal Reserve System under the presidency of Democrat Woodrow Wilson can be seen as a "Nixon-in-China" instance. The creation of a single central bank for the United States, a traditionally Republican issue, required a forceful Democratic President's backing for support.
*The Israeli disengagement plan pushed forward by Ariel Sharon.
*The conservative South African president Frederik Willem de Klerk ending Apartheid.
*Canadian Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's crackdown on FLQ terrorists during the October Crisis in 1970.
*In "", Mr. Spock quotes what he says is an old Vulcan proverb: "Only Nixon could go to China." The analogy is that Captain Kirk, known for his dislike of Klingons, was nevertheless escorting Klingons to a peace conference.
*The German reform of the system of social security (see Agenda 2010), which included drastic cuts in pension and unemployment benefits, was initiated by the left-leaning red-green alliance.

ee also

*"Nixon in China" (opera)