Nixon goes to China

The Proverbs "Only Nixon could go to China" (, Only Nixon could go to China ') and " It took Nixon to go to China" (, It took Nixon to go to China ') and metaphors such as "XY in China " allude to Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972. They come from the Anglo- American world and make reference to the view that it is precisely veteran hardliner or former opponents of political reform can embody strong changes in the diplomatic posture credible.

For the purposes of Proverbs just as Nixon was known anti-Communist able to credibly negotiate with the Chinese regime, and to improve diplomatic relations, without being suspected of false sympathy.

Metaphorical uses

The political metaphor is applied figuratively to the important role of the appointed hardliners in possible peace and reform negotiations and taboo, or so-called current rail issues. They are thus able to break hardened positions in their own environment.

The phrase was already in the late 1970s. Democratic Congressman Tom Foley in 1977 became famous with the statement " It took a Nixon to go to China, and one may need a Democrat to balance the budget. "

Use in German-speaking

Among other things, in connection with the controversial reforms, such as foreign policy innovations of the Schröder government (Cabinet Schröder II) of the Nixon - goes-to - China effect was attested also in German politics. Accordingly, the enforcement of a controversial innovation falls mainly to the light, the one least trusts it.

Use in film and music theater

Nixon in China was discussed in 1987 in the form of an opera in three acts by John Adams with a libretto by Alice Goodman.

A well-known use dates back to 1991 turned movie Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. There will be cited as " old Vulcan proverb " "Only Nixon could go to China" by Spock.