A Review of Nixon's Documentary on China

Originally, I was very interested in Nixon's visit to China, and this history gave me a great mystery. Seeing the last episode, when Nixon boarded the plane to return home, I felt reluctant to part; Unfortunately, such a documentary with excellent historical selection (memoirs, films, photos of important tasks), interviews with people and narration by the host is coming to an end.

After reading it, what impressed me most was Zhou Enlai. Quote a dialogue in the program:

(After boarding the plane back home)

Mrs. Nixon: "Zhou Enlai is really great."

Nixon: "Indeed, he is a rare great man in this world."

……

Nixon went on to say, "but he seems to have been living in the shadow." All his actions are cautious, and he deliberately pointed the spotlight on the stage at Mao. "

I wonder how Zhou Enlai will feel after hearing this conversation. I think this is because Nixon didn't see a Mao Zedong in its heyday. However, Zhou Enlai is indeed a great leader worthy of our respect, including his wisdom in diplomatic occasions and his efforts for the people in his domestic political career.

Another thing that impressed me was that it was during the Cultural Revolution (1May 1966 to1September 19761October), and it was a political miracle to meet the "leader of American imperialism". I remember there was a scene in the program that said:

Nixon and his party arrived at a hotel in Shanghai, which was then the base camp of the Gang of Four. In order to prepare for the reception, the Gang of Four ordered people to take away all the posters in the hotel, saying that it was to prevent them from seeing China in rags.

These words actually came from the mouth of the Gang of Four. It is not difficult to see that they are a group of "hypocrites". On the surface, they are so enthusiastic about everything against Mao, but behind their backs, they are from have it both ways! Of course, we look down on those "realists" during the Cultural Revolution.

There are many quotations from the memoirs of Nixon and Kissinger in the program, which I personally think is very appropriate. And the dialogue quoted by the host at the end of the program is meaningful enough:

Zhou Enlai: You changed the world.

Mao Zedong: I said the world has changed me.

(Zhou speechless, Mao picked up a cigar)

Mao: I've always wanted to give up smoking, but I haven't given up yet. What can I say about changing the world?