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Korean War breaks out
The United States and China sent forces to support rival sides in fighting that lasted until 1953. -
Vietnam War
United States get more involved in Vietnam, while China more quietly backs Vietnamese Communist forces fighting the U.S.-backed government in the south. -
Ping-pong diplomacy"
when China invites U.S. table tennis players to visit, generating a burst of goodwill. -
pro-democracy protests
US and China's relationship is weakened after Deng uses troops to suppress pro-democracy protesters in Beijing. President George H.W. Bush later authorizes sanctions but seeks to maintain communication and limit fallout. -
11-day standoff
A U.S. surveillance plane crashes into a Chinese air force plane. The Chinese plane crashes into the sea, and the U.S. plane has to land on Hainan. China holds the plane and 24 crew members causing a 11 day stand off. -
First Round of Six-party Talks
Beijing hosts the first round of six-party talks seeking to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The talks offer an opportunity for cooperation between China and the United States. -
China is reclaiming islands in the South China Sea.
U.S. worries about China is reclaiming islands in the South China Sea. China argues that its claims are legitimate and not meant to provoke a reaction.