Chinese President Xi Jinping received former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Beijing on Thursday, who was hailed in the state media as a “legendary diplomat” for the rapprochement between China and the United States in the 1970s.
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The meeting, which was reported by Chinese state television, comes at a time when relations between the two countries are at rock bottom, despite a spate of recent diplomatic visits by the United States.
Henry Kissinger, just 100 years old, secretly traveled to Beijing in July 1971 to forge ties with Communist China, paving the way for President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to Beijing in 1972.
This outstretched hand to China had ended the Asian giant’s isolation and contributed to Beijing’s rise on the world stage, especially in economic terms.
“The Chinese people cherish friendship, and we will never forget our old friend and your historic contribution to promoting the development of Sino-US relations and strengthening the friendship between the Chinese and American people,” President Xi told Kissinger on Thursday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
“It has not only helped both countries, but also changed the world,” Xi added.
“China-US relations will forever be associated with the Kissinger name, and you will always be remembered by the Chinese people,” he also told her.
“Critical Relationships”
CCTV said the former US Secretary of State was received in the same room where he advocated rapprochement with China 50 years ago, at Diaoyutai, the Chinese government’s state villa in Beijing.
Mr. Kissinger thanked the Chinese President for this symbolic gesture.
“Relationships between our two countries will be vital to world peace and the advancement of our societies,” he said.
“Since 1971, Mr. Kissinger has visited China more than 100 times,” state television said Thursday.
“On May 27, the legendary diplomat celebrated his 100th birthday and this visit to China is also his first since turning 100,” she added.
Henry Kissinger had met the top Chinese diplomatic official, Wang Yi, the day before.
He thanked him in particular for his “historic contributions to the thawing of relations between China and the United States”.
“Wisdom”
“American policy towards China needs diplomatic wisdom à la Kissinger and political courage à la Nixon,” Wang Yi assured his host.
While the Asian giant is now the world’s second largest economy, it is “impossible to encircle or contain China,” the Chinese official stressed.
On Tuesday, the former foreign minister met with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who is under US sanctions.
During this interview, “Mr. Kissinger said that in today’s world, challenges and opportunities coexist, and the United States and China should resolve misunderstandings, live together peacefully, and avoid confrontation.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Kissinger made his fortune after retiring from politics advising companies investing in China. He also warned against a hardening of American policy towards Beijing.
His visit to China coincides with that of US climate chief John Kerry and follows visits by other senior US officials including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.