Decades ago when the Cold War was casting a shadow over the world, the thawing of the China-U.S. confrontation changed international relations. During the process, table tennis played a critical role. What has been called "Ping-Pong Diplomacy" paved the way for then U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking February 1972 visit to China. The two countries were taking the first steps toward normalizing relations. This included signing the historic Shanghai Communique, which marked the end of their confrontation.