Nixon was the first United States president to visit Communist-controlled China.

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – The week of Feb. 20, 1972 was called the week that changed the world.

President Richard Nixon ended a 20-year stand-off between the People’s Republic of China and the United States with a visit to Peking and Shanghai.

Talks with China’s leaders centered on ways to normalize diplomatic relations and trade.

China’s Premier said the “gate to friendly contact has finally been opened.”