U.S. President Donald Trump will embark on his first trip to China on Wednesday, making him the eighth U.S. President who has ever come to China.
Who are the previous seven U.S. Presidents? Where have they been in China and what did they say about their impressions of this country? Let's take a brief view of the seven U.S. Presidents' trips in China.
1. Richard Nixon – the first U.S. president to visit China
Visiting time: Feb. 21-28, 1972
Places: Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai
In 1972, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit China since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. This trip marked a turning point in formally normalizing relations between China and the U.S. and was one of the most remarkable international relations events in the 20th century.
During this visit, Nixon met with Chairman Mao Zedong and held talks with Premier Zhou Enlai. At the conclusion of his trip, Feb. 28, the Chinese and the U.S. sides issued the Joint Communiqué in Shanghai (also known as the Shanghai Communiqué).
"As I walked along the wall, I thought of the sacrifices that went into building it; I thought of what it showed-about-the determination of the Chinese people who retained their independence throughout their long-history; I thought about the fact that the wall tells us that China has a great history and that the people who built this wonder of the world also have a great future."
Nixon said at the Great Wall of China.
2. Gerald Ford – Visit China after 'breaking the ice'
Visiting time: Dec. 1-5, 1975
Place: Beijing
Gerald Ford was the first U.S. president to visit China after the normalization of Sino-U.S. relations. He met and held talks with Chairman Mao Zedong and Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the 1972 "Joint Communiqué."
During his stay in Beijing, Ford and his wife visited the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and watched sports and modern dance performance. His wife, Betty Ford, even learned Chinese dance from Chinese students while touring a dance school.
"Our bilateral ties are very important… It was certainly common perceptions and common interests which brought our countries together four years ago. Among these is our agreement not to seek hegemony over others and our fundamental opposition to the efforts of others to impose hegemony in any part of the world."
Ford toasted at the farewell party.
3. Ronald Reagan – Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses
Visiting time: April 26-May 1, 1984
Places: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
Ronald Reagan and his wife visited Terracotta Warriors and Horses in northwest China's Xi'an City. When he climbed the ladder to leave the place, he glanced back at the magnificent underground army and joked, "dismissed!"
"We may live at nearly opposite ends of the world. We may be distinctly different in language, customs, and political beliefs. But on many vital questions of our time, there is little difference between the American and Chinese people."
Reagan said in a speech at the Great Hall of the People.
