The colourful mural hung over the table where the fate of the world was being decided: Leading his barefoot soldiers through the gorges and jungles of Guizhou, commander Hsiao K’eh urged his troops to victory in the Long March, culminating in the triumph of the Red Army. Energised by the image, perhaps, the ageing prime minister Zhou Enlai “gave a very detailed and precise rendition of the military manoeuvres, describing the battle with great vigour and arm movements.” “We hope we have no necessity of facing you in battle after hearing that description,” United States president Richard Nixon politely responded….