Nixon was spot on when describing Mao as a destroyer and Zhou as the builder. Both were revolutionaries but both had different philosophies that guided them.
I think if the US and the rest of the world had known at the time what Mao had truly done as a sadistic tyrant, and how his policies destroyed the nation we probably would have never resumed relations and China would be the equivalent to North Korea.
During the cold war. US and SU was compete for world leader. Meanwhile, China and SU had a bad time wirh each other. That's when Nickson saw the opportunity to win China over, amd become patterns to fight SU
Nixon’s decision to immediately shake Zhou’s hand was the first sign of respect and hope for better relations. In 1958 when former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles had visited China he refused to shake Zhou’s hand. Nixon felt compelled to immediately show a sign of respect and apology. His goal was to make amends.
It will not be out of place to put on record great tribute to ONLY 2 persons for initiative with a brilliant MIND of all time: 01) Mr Z A Bhutto 02) Mr H Kissinger Google is witness that Mr Z A Bhutto met Mr Brtrend Russell and an idea of Revolutionary book " Awakening of East " come into mind to have good productive relationships among USA and China. Now OBOR one belt one road is an excellent healthy practical program to help out 8 billion people. China must take immediate action in coordination of dialogue between Russia and Ukraine to minimize side effects of WAR which will bring nothing as witnessed by 2 world Wars. Ball is in court of CHINA to immediately react for PEACE on globe. Thanks