Nixon's bold move to open up relations with Communist China was helped most by?

Nixon's move to open up relations with Communist China is most accurately attributed to his long history of being a hard-line opponent of communism. As a staunch advocate against the spread of communism throughout his political career, Nixon understood the geopolitical landscape of the Cold War and recognized that establishing a relationship with China could shift the balance of power. By engaging with China, he aimed to exploit the tensions between China and the Soviet Union, thereby seeking to create a strategic advantage for the United States.

His hard-line stance against communism allowed him to approach this diplomatic initiative without appearing weak or inconsistent in his policies. Nixon was able to leverage his reputation as a firm anti-communist to justify opening relations with China, reframing the policy as a pragmatic move aimed at counterbalancing Soviet influence. This bold step not only altered the dynamics of international relations but also reflected a realistic assessment of national interests, showcasing that engaging with nations—even those ideologically opposed—could be beneficial in the context of global politics.