Half a century ago this month, Chinese leaders received Richard Nixon on a historic visit that ended two decades of estrangement between China and the U.S. The visit has been rightly hailed as an example of diplomacy and statesmanship at their best.

A series of serendipitous interactions between Chinese and American ping-pong players helped thaw the ice between their two governments in the 1970s. The shocking success of “ping-pong diplomacy” shows the unexpectedly major role that can sports can play in bridging hostile divides and bringing together former foes on a common playing field.

Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping’s famous “hide our capabilities and bide our time” dictum once guided China’s approach to foreign policy. Now, political commentators ask if Xi has completely foregone Deng’s strategy.

Two historic events 40 years ago have turned China into a global economic power and benefited U.S. interests.

Responding to a recent opinion editorial in The Washington Post, Stephen Harner writes that now is the time for U.S. leaders to join with disruptors of history, like Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter, to proactively promote change in U.S.-China relations.

With August 22, 2014 marking the 110th Anniversary of Deng Xiaoping’s birth, Yu Sui reflects on the role this remarkable date plays in China’s foreign policy and how Xi Jinping has carried on Deng’s work.