Is This 1972? Nixon Cancels Trip to Taiwan; Doesn't Want to Offend Chinese

Categories: History
Nixon_Mao_1972-02-29.png
Nixon glad-handing in China, 1972.
Quick! Is this 2010 or 1972?

If you guessed the latter, you'd be forgiven today -- especially after reading about how "Nixon" recently canceled a visit to Taiwan after hearing that the trip could offend the Chinese.

But wait! It's not Richard Nixon we're talking about. No it's Missouri governor Jay Nixon, who -- along with other state officials -- has been trying to make Lambert St. Louis Airport an international freight hub with the Chinese government.

As the Post-Dispatch reports today, Nixon's office announced on December 1 that the governor planned to visit Taiwan and Korea the week of December 10. Two days later, Nixon changed plans after a Chinese delegate warned that the trip to Taiwan could "be misunderstood in Beijing", which views the island-nation as its rightful territory, and could possibly affect the air hub deal in St. Louis.

The governor's office last Friday stated that "travel challenges" have now postponed that trip and would not comment further on the matter.

Wow. The way the Chinese have Nixon bouncing back and forth, no wonder they call it Ping Pong Diplomacy.

My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest

Now Trending

From the Vault

 

General

©2013 Riverfront Times, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places St. Louis

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city