On February 24, 2022, the Nixon Foundation held the commemoration for the 50th anniversary of President Nixon's visit to China at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, California. Ambassador Qin Gang delivered a keynote speech at the event. Jim Byron, President of the Nixon Foundation, moderated the commemoration. Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger gave a video speech, former US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and former US Ambassador to China J. Stapleton Roy also delivered speeches. Maurice Greenberg, Chairman of Starr Group, sent a written congratulatory letter. More than 300 people from all walks of life in the United States attended the event, including Chairman of the Nixon Foundation Board of Directors James Kavanaugh, President Nixon's grandson Christopher Nixon Cox, Chairman of the National Committee on US-China Relations Steve Orlins, and President of the US-China Business Council Craig Allen.

Ambassador Qin said in his speech, President Nixon’s visit to China in 1972 was a “week that changed the world”. His pragmatic diplomacy culminated in this monumental visit. The elder generation of Chinese and American leaders jointly broke the ice between the two countries, which displayed their extraordinary strategic vision, huge political courage and outstanding diplomatic wisdom. Their legacy still serves as an important reference today.

Ambassador Qin said, the China-US relationship has come to another historical juncture. We are entering a new round of mutual exploration, understanding and adaptation, trying to find a way to get along with each other in the new era. Our common interests have never been as extensive as today, and they are the bonds that keep us together. Our common “enemy” should be the major challenges concerning the survival and development of both countries and mankind. The new “Cold War” should not be used to define the time we live in. Competition and confrontation should not be the keynote of China-US relations. It’s simply impossible for China and the US to stay in confrontation, hostility or estrangement, and any of these will cause unbearable damage to both countries and the world.

Ambassador Qin stressed, Shanghai Communique and the other two Sino-US Joint Communiques are the rules that both sides must follow. The one-China principle is the unshakable political foundation for China-US relations, and a red line that must not be crossed. To maintain peace and stability, the US side should honor its commitments on the Taiwan question, and work with China to oppose and contain “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

Ambassador Qin said, President Xi Jinping pointed out that China and the US must respect each other, coexist peacefully and pursue win-win cooperation. This is a guideline developed with historical wisdom and directing the future path. Let’s work together to take the China-US relationship back to the right track as soon as possible, so as to deliver greater benefits to the people of our two countries and meet the expectations of the world.

Dr. Kissinger reviewed the history of President Nixon’s visit to China and the issuance of Shanghai Communique. He said, the most important outcome of Shanghai Communique is that the US did not challenge the “One China” concept. The Nixon legacy still applies under current circumstances and should be a basic consideration for any American leader dealing with the nature of the world which we are facing. 

Secretary Chao spoke of the positive changes President Nixon’s visit brought to her family and pointed out that the US-China relationship has profound implications for world peace and prosperity. There is no other choice but to manage our very real differences peacefully and productively.

Ambassador Roy looked back on the historical process from President Nixon’s visit to China to the establishment of China-US diplomatic relations, and pointed out that the commemoration for the 50th anniversary of the visit reminds us that the United States needs to have a hospitable relationship with China. If we can challenge pessimistic assumptions, there will be better opportunity for both countries.

The event lasted for more than three hours and kept a festive atmosphere. Guests spoke highly of the historical significance of President Nixon’s visit and looks forward to greater development of China-US relations in the new era.