Nixon Arrival in China
Receives President Richard Nixon as the first sitting United States president to visit the People's Republic of China.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1972 in China
Explore 14 historical events and records for China in 1972.
Historical records for China in 1972
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 14 of 14 unique records.
14Unique records
1 of 1Page
13Named events on this page
4Named people on this page
4Places on this page
February
Shanghai Communique
Concludes negotiations producing the Shanghai Communique, setting a framework for improved Sino-American relations.
Declaration of Shanghai
The US-PRC Shanghai Communiqué alters the diplomatic environment facing Chiang’s government and deepens Taiwan’s international isolation.
Declaration of Shanghai
The Shanghai Communique paves the way for relations between Communists & Nationalists
Nixon-Zhou Talks
Holds extensive talks with Nixon on normalization, Taiwan, regional conflicts and the international balance of power.
March
Temporary Provisions Revised
The National Assembly revises the Temporary Provisions, giving the President broader authority to adjust central government administrative and personnel structures.
Fifth Presidential Term
Is re-elected President for a fifth term together with Vice President Yen Chia-kan.
September
China-Japan Joint Communique
Participates in the joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between China and Japan.
Diplomatic Ties with Japan Severed
The Republic of China severs diplomatic relations with Japan after Tokyo establishes formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Japan-China Normalization Talks
Hosts Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka for negotiations on diplomatic normalization.
Other events (month unknown)
A rapproachment with the USA is concluded in the Shanghai Communique
A rapproachment with the USA is concluded in the Shanghai Communique
Disaster
The Shimantan Dam collapses in the Henan province, killing 85,000 people and causing the subsequent death of about 100,000 people
Visit to Communist China
USA President Richard Nixon visits Communist China
Welcomes President Nixon to Peking
Welcomes President Nixon to Peking
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.