It's very interesting how Mao claimed he preferred "rightists" in power in the West, because leftists were usually pro-Soviet.
> Mao: That is to say, I voted for you [Nixon] during your election. [...] I like rightists. People say you are rightists, that the Republican Party is to the right, that Prime Minister Heath is also to the right. [...] They also say the Christian Democratic Party of West Germany is also to the right. I am comparatively happy when these people on the right come into power.
> Kissinger: [...] those on the left are pro-Soviet and would not encourage a move toward the People’s Republic, and in fact criticize you on those grounds.
> Mao: Exactly that. Some are opposing you [Nixon]. In our country also there is a reactionary group which is opposed to our contact with you. The result was that they got on an airplane and fled abroad.
(I know this is just small talk and people don't always say what they mean, but...)
> Mao: That is to say, I voted for you [Nixon] during your election. [...] I like rightists. People say you are rightists, that the Republican Party is to the right, that Prime Minister Heath is also to the right. [...] They also say the Christian Democratic Party of West Germany is also to the right. I am comparatively happy when these people on the right come into power.
> Kissinger: [...] those on the left are pro-Soviet and would not encourage a move toward the People’s Republic, and in fact criticize you on those grounds.
> Mao: Exactly that. Some are opposing you [Nixon]. In our country also there is a reactionary group which is opposed to our contact with you. The result was that they got on an airplane and fled abroad.
(I know this is just small talk and people don't always say what they mean, but...)