c) Henry Kissinger

Henry Kissinger, as U.S. National Security Advisor and later Secretary of State under President Richard Nixon, played a crucial role in orchestrating Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972. Kissinger’s secret trip to China in 1971 laid the groundwork for the visit, marking a dramatic shift in U.S.-China relations and a strategic pivot in Cold War diplomacy. This opening to China, known as “Ping-Pong Diplomacy,” was a masterstroke in realpolitik, leveraging the Sino-Soviet split and altering the global balance of power. Kissinger’s role in this diplomatic endeavor showcased his skill in strategic planning and his impact on shaping U.S. foreign policy during a critical period in Cold War history.