why was the conflict between two superpowers called the cold war

Congress and successive administrations played a major role in supporting China’s integration into global markets.īut in recent years, I’ve also seen China’s decision to pivot away from market reforms toward a more state-driven approach that has undercut its neighbors and countries across the world. Its development was supported by assistance from the World Bank and other international economic institutions. In the years that followed, I saw China choose to implement market reforms and open itself to the global economy, driving an impressive rise into the second-largest economy in the world.

And I heard our two countries begin to speak to each other again after decades of silence. I watched President Nixon make his famous journey to China in 1972. In the 1970s, our relationship was defined by rapprochement and gradual normalization. Since I began my career, the relationship between the United States and China has undergone a significant evolution. And they demonstrate that people around the world can learn from one another if we communicate openly and honestly – even and especially when we disagree.

But I believe the students on this campus have served as a reminder of the respect that the American and Chinese people have for each other. This collaboration has been tested by the realities and complexities of our bilateral relationship. The result: the establishment of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center in 1986 – one of the first Western academic programs in modern China. The goal was to see whether Johns Hopkins and Nanjing University could partner together to educate future leaders. Just two years after, your university leaders had their own talks with their Chinese counterparts.

In 1979, the United States established full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. SAIS has one of the oldest and most extensive China studies programs in the country. I’m particularly glad to be at this institution. I’m grateful for your contributions – not only during your time in government but here at SAIS. And thank you for your service to our country. Dean Steinberg, thank you for your kind introduction.

Why was the conflict between two superpowers called the cold war