The Making of Modern China

Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and U.S. President Richard Nixon
AP

1972: President Nixon Pays a Visit
U.S. President Richard Nixon watches Premier Zhou Enlai eat at a banquet in Shanghai on Feb. 28. Nixon was the first President to visit the People's Republic; his trip paved the way for formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.