Ping pong diplomacy

Jun 10 2008

China and America pay homage this week to a series of 1970s table tennis matches between the countries that paved the way for improved diplomatic relations.

The week of exhibition games in China in April 1971 helped open China to the world, changed public opinion and paved the way for a groundbreaking visit from president Richard Nixon.

A three-day event at the Richard Nixon Library that culminates in a rematch between several of the original athletes is to be held.