Final answer:
President Nixon was the President who earlier recognized the establishment of relations that President Carter officially recognized later. Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972 laid the groundwork for improved U.S.-China relations. Option 2
Step-by-step explanation:
The President who recognized the establishment of relations earlier than President Carter was President Nixon. It was during Nixon's presidency that the historical rapprochement with China began, marking a significant policy shift in U.S. foreign relations. In a groundbreaking move, Nixon visited China in 1972, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so, and he met with Chairman Mao Zedong.
This diplomatic initiative paved the way for the eventual normalizing of relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Nixon's strategy included playing 'the China card,' which also had implications on the dynamic of U.S.-Soviet relations and the overall strategy of containment during the Cold War. Option 2