"Ping Pong Diplomacy" refers to a series of exchanges between the United States and the People's Republic of China in the early 1970s, which helped to thaw relations between the two countries. The term originated from a 1971 table tennis match where the American team was invited to play in China, marking the first time many Americans visited the country since its communist revolution. This event paved the way for President Richard Nixon to visit China in 1972, leading to significant diplomatic breakthroughs. The exchanges symbolized a shift in international relations, highlighting the power of sports as a tool for diplomacy and communication.