<P> Internationally, reactions varied . In the communist world, the Soviets were very concerned that two major enemies seemed to have resolved their differences, and the new world alignment contributed significantly to the policy of détente . Romania's president Nicolai Ceausescu praised the US initiative as a "move for world peace". Several communist regimes, including Cuba, Albania, and North Vietnam, accused China of "capitulationism to the imperialists". North Korea proclaimed that it was the reverse and that the US had been forced to capitulate to China, having failed to isolate it . </P> <P> America's European allies and Canada were pleased by the initiative, especially since many of them had already recognized the PRC . In Asia, the reaction was far more mixed . Japan was annoyed that it had not been told of the announcement until fifteen minutes before it had been made, and feared that the Americans were abandoning them in favor of the PRC . A short time later, Japan also recognized the PRC and committed to substantial trade with the continental power . South Korea and South Vietnam were both concerned that peace between the United States and the PRC could mean an end to American support for them against their communist enemies . Throughout the period of rapprochement, both countries had to be regularly assured that they would not be abandoned . </P> <P> From February 21 to February 28, 1972, President Nixon traveled to Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai . At the conclusion of his trip, the US and the PRC issued the Shanghai Communiqué, a statement of their respective foreign policy views . In the Communiqué, both nations pledged to work toward the full normalization of diplomatic relations . This did not lead to immediate recognition of the People's Republic of China but' liaison offices' were established in Beijing and Washington . The US acknowledged the PRC position that all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait maintain that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China . The statement enabled the US and PRC to temporarily set aside the issue of Taiwan and open trade and communication . Also, the US and China both agreed to take action against' any country' that is to establish' hegemony' in the Asia - Pacific . On several issues, such as the ongoing conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and Israel, the US and China were unable to reach a common understanding . </P> <P> Most major anti-US propaganda disappeared in China after the Nixon visit; although there was still occasional criticism of US imperialism, the Soviet Union had definitively become China's arch - foe in the 1970s . </P>

When did the us start trade with china