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Unseen 1972: The private lens of Ping-Pong Diplomacy

Picture 22:09, 15-Apr-2026

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1972. A new chapter begins. Fresh from the historic US visit to China, the Chinese table tennis delegation lands in Detroit aboard the "Friendship Clipper."

Led by Zhuang Zedong – a three-time world champion and a key figure in "Ping-Pong Diplomacy" – the journey goes far beyond the table.

From Washington DC to Memphis, they play before cheering crowds – but also connect with everyday Americans: meeting farmers, visiting factories and sharing stories. In a lighter, unforgettable twist, the team explores Disneyland – laughing, taking photos and even shaking hands with Mickey Mouse beneath the fairy-tale castle.

Then comes the defining moment. At the White House, Richard Nixon delivers a line that echoes through history:

"The big winner is the friendship between the Chinese and the American people."

EXCLUSIVE: Rare images, courtesy of Liang Geliang and Zheng Minzhi to CGTN – you won't see these anywhere else.