He insists that Most Favoured Nation trading status for China be linked to specific improvements in human rights conditions. The United States and other Western countries impose sanctions on Beijing. He invites dissidents to a banquet. China responds by forcibly preventing one, Fang Lizhi, from attending. US Congress passes Taiwan Relations Act reaffirming commitment to Taiwan and pledging to maintain arms sales to the island.
China is unhappy with the bill.
China and the US establish diplomatic relations after US President Jimmy Carter switches recognition to Beijing from Taipei. A joint communiqu says Washington will maintain unofficial links with Taiwan. At a Texas rodeo he appears in a traditional Stetson hat, creating a more friendly image of China to the US public. Mao Zedong dies. Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State, makes a secret visit to China to arrange for a trip by Nixon.