February 21st 1972; The American President Richard Nixon arrived in China at the start of a week-long summit aimed at ending 20 years of frosty relations between the two countries. His visit began with an unexpected audience with Chairman Mao Zedong at the leader's home. Few details have been released, but officials said the one-hour meeting involved a "serious and frank discussion". After a modest reception at Peking airport, the president was formally welcomed at a lavish banquet held in the Great Hall of the People and hosted by Prime Minister Chou En-lai.