SALT I in Asia

What is the ping pong diplomacy?

It is the exchange of table tennis players between the US and China in the early 1970s, which served as a step in normalising strained relations.

What is SALT I?

It was an agreement between the US and USSR to freeze the amount of SBMs.

What did the ping pong diplomacy lead to?

• Kissinger secretly visiting Beijing in July 1971.

• Nixon and Kissinger visiting Beijing in February 1972.

Why did Nixon want China?

• The situation in Vietnam.

• US wanted to put pressure on the Soviets.

• He wanted to make history.

• He hoped to be able to reduce commitments in Asia whilst retaining bases in the pacific.

Why did Mao want Nixon?

• He feared the USSR due to the border clashes in 1969 which could escalate further.

• China could break free from its isolation and not be excluded from the UN security council.

• Be internationally recognised and replace Taiwan in the UN security council.

• Allow China to have economic and technological benefits and develop along with the West.

• Use the US to counter balance Soviets power.

Why was the arms control necessary?

• USSR had reached nuclear parity with the USA

• Arms races were really expensive

• Vietnam was was draining the USA’s resources

• The risk of nuclear miscalculation

How did Asia impact SALT I?

• It became a way to secure superpower status.

• It became a way to remain central

• It became a way to avoid being diplomatically sidelined.