Mr. Deng Goes to Washington tells the story of Deng Xiaoping’s, China’s paramount leader, historic visit to the United States in 1979 that changed the trajectory of world history.  This dramatic story is told through first-hand experiences of those people from both countries who made the normalization of relations possible–politicians, diplomats,  and one former U.S. President.  Throughout the trip, Deng had to face many different audiences and win the approval of the U.S. public and the U.S. Congress.  But in the end, Deng’s wisdom in opening up a new course, his determination and sense of humor and the American hosts’ good will and detailed preparations cemented the friendship between the U.S. and China and precipitated China’s meteoric economic rise for the next 36 years.

Discussants:
Ezra Vogel, Henry Ford II Professor of Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences Emeritus,  Harvard University
Jan Berris, Vice-President, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations
Fu Hongqing, Director, Mr. Deng Goes to Washington
Zhou Zhixing, Chair, U.S.-China New Perspectives Foundation