| Abstract | On 26 July 1996, as the whole world was watching the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, the United States presidential family, who had been in the city for the opening ceremony and watching some of the games, had a "chance meeting" with China's gynastics ace Li Xiaoshuang. The chance reception came as the two countries were beginning to mend fences following months of strained relations that were prompted by Washington's allowing Taiwan's Lee Teng-hui to visit the US. And it was viewed by some quarters as a clear signal to China of American intention to improve ties with Beijing. |
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