Answer:
True
Step-by-step explanation:
This is according to Richard Nixon's 1994 Beyond Peace, pg. 130:
"When I went to China in 1972, there was a great deal of speculation about why I had changed my hard-line position of opposing recognition of the Chinese Communist government. Some suggested that I had finally seen the light and that I had recognized that the notorious ‘free China’ lobby was wrong in demonizing the communist government of China. Others suggested that I went to China to enlist Chinese support in ending the Vietnam War. Neither of these views was right.” (He first was known open politically to PRC China during his visit in 1953 to Malaya with the High Commissioner in conversation).
“China and the United States were brought together in part because both were concerned about the threat to China and the rest of Asia from an aggressive Soviet Union. But I believed that even if there were no Soviet threat, it was essential to develop a new relationship with China then, when China was weak and needed us, rather than waiting until later, when China needed us less than we needed them. “ (He goes on explaining a possible China about 2015 that is much stronger than is now the case.)
“During the Cold War, the United States and China were brought together and held together by our fears. In the period beyond peace, we need new economic incentives that will help to hold us together by our hopes. "
In short, it was a far sighted situation. During the cold war, China helped out in such diverse places such as Nicaragua, Afghanistan (heavily), and spying on the USSR (border post joint operated in Sinkiang.)