For many years, trade and travel between the United States and China were not allowed. A 1971 Ping-Pong tournament in Japan helped to change that. An American player and a Chinese player at the tournament met, shook hands, and exchanged gifts. In response to this friendly meeting, China's leader, Mao Zedong, invited the American Ping-Pong team to visit China. This official Chinese welcome led to talks between the Chinese and American leaders. The talks resulted in opening travel and trade between the two countries.