Table Tennis Promoted the Friendships between Australia and China for More Than Half Century

The 1971 Australia China Ping Pong Diplomacy Tour played one important key role in E.G. Whitlam first visit to China on 3 Jul 1971 and the establishment of diplomatic relations with China on 21 Dec 1972. E.G. Whitlam interviewed the Australian team members in May 1971 several days later after their return from China and decided to visit China on 3 Jul 1971.

On 20 Sept 2023, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Penny Wong wrote to Dr Michael Li "The 1971 Ping Pong Diplomacy Tour was an important milestone in the lead up to Australia’s establishment of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1972. I am pleased to hear of your team’s visit to Beijing in late October and planned reunion with counterpart players from the time. We have drawn your visit to the attention of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Australian Embassy in Beijing. I trust this information is of assistance, and best wishes for your future travels."

On 29 Sept 2023, the Australian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Matt Carroll AM, wrote to Dr Michael Li "The 1971 Ping Pong Diplomacy Tour was of great historical significance as a vivid manifestation of the desire for friendly exchanges between the people of our two countries and created a good atmosphere for the subsequent official exchanges between China and Australia in 1972." 

During 27 Oct 2023 to 7 Nov 2023, Dr Michael Li visited Beijing and Shanghai with Mr. Paul Pinkewich and Prof. Gregory Clark - two of the original members of Australia’s 1971 Ping Pong Diplomacy team to mark the 50th anniversary of the former Australian Prime Minister the Hon Gough Whitlam's visit to China during 31 Oct - 3 Nov 1973 as the Australian Prime Minister.

Half a century ago, few could foresee that a spur-of-the-moment, unscheduled visit by a young Australian sports team would lead to one of Australia’s most important bilateral relations. China is Australia's largest two-way trading partner, accounting for 27 per cent of our goods and services trade with the world in 2023.