Ping-Pong Diplomacy
The Secret History Behind the Game That Changed the World
by:
Nicholas Griffin
in:
Asian History
Summary:
The book delves into the history of how table tennis became a surprising catalyst for improving Sino-American relations in the 1970s, highlighting the pivotal matches and political maneuvers that led to the thawing of the Cold War-era tensions between China and the United States. It uncovers the strategic use of the sport as a diplomatic tool, revealing the stories of the players and leaders who were at the forefront of this unconventional form of international engagement.
Key points:
1. Ping-Pong Diplomacy: The book shows how table tennis helped ease US-China tensions in the 1970s, demonstrating sports' role in soft diplomacy.
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