Xi Jinping Meets Henry Kissinger as US Pursues a Thaw in China Relations ( ReUnited Latest News)
( United Latest News)- Xi Jinping Meets Henry Kissinger as US Pursues a Thaw in China Relations. Amidst a whirlwind of visits by top US officials, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended a warm welcome to former eminent diplomat Henry Kissinger, in a surprising turn of events that signals the US’s eagerness to establish closer ties with China.
At a remarkable age of 100, Mr. Kissinger played a pivotal role in helping China break free from diplomatic isolation in the 1970s. It’s worth noting that he visits China in his personal capacity, a fact that the US has underscored.
Given Mr. Kissinger’s monumental standing in China, he could potentially serve as a discreet intermediary for US-China negotiations. State television captured the scene as Mr. Xi, beaming with joy, greeted Mr. Kissinger warmly, stating, “I’m very glad to see you, sir.”
Their meeting took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, a more intimate venue compared to the sprawling Great Hall of the People, where official meetings with foreign diplomats typically occur. Diaoyutai holds historical significance, as it was the site of Mr. Kissinger’s clandestine encounter with Chinese officials half a century ago, which paved the way for the normalization of US-China relations.
Mr. Xi expressed heartfelt appreciation, stating, “We will never forget our old friends, and will not forget your historical contributions to developing US-China relations and fostering friendship between our two peoples.”
The conciliatory tone set by Mr. Xi mirrors the sentiments echoed by other top officials who interacted with Mr. Kissinger upon his arrival in China. Statements regarding his meetings with top diplomat Wang Yi and defense minister Li Shangfu emphasized the need for respect, cooperation, and “peaceful co-existence” between the two superpowers.
Chinese state media portrayed Mr. Kissinger’s visit in a positive light, prompting numerous discussions on social media platforms. Many marveled at Mr. Kissinger’s tenacity, coalescing around the hashtag “Kissinger can still fly to Beijing for a business trip despite being 100 years old” on Weibo. However, some expressed concerns that the US was relying on centenarians to promote diplomatic ties, remarking that “politicians with great wisdom are becoming rarer.”
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A State Department spokesman, commenting on Mr. Kissinger’s trip, affirmed that they were aware of it and wouldn’t be surprised if he chose to brief them upon his return. Yet, it was emphasized that he undertook the journey of his own accord, not representing the US government.
In his capacity as a private citizen, Mr. Kissinger enjoys the freedom to engage in more candid discussions with Mr. Xi and other officials, thereby allowing him greater flexibility in presenting US concerns and demands. Additionally, meeting figures like Mr. Li, under US sanctions since 2018 for arms procurement from Russia, is less contentious for him. Last month, Beijing refused to let Mr. Li meet his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, at a forum in Singapore, citing the sanctions.
Mr. Kissinger’s proactive decision to undertake this visit should come as no surprise. In a December interview, he criticized the approaches of both the Trump and Biden administrations towards China, citing a dialogue that often begins with denunciations of Chinese actions and becomes mired in stagnation.
While Mr. Kissinger has had numerous encounters with China, surpassing 100 visits, this particular trip comes at a critical juncture in US-China relations. After months of heightened hostility, accentuated by the recent spy balloon incident, diplomatic negotiations seem to be back on track, with China warmly receiving a series of high-level US officials in quick succession.
Apart from Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited last month, Mr. Kissinger is the only US figure that Mr. Xi has met in recent weeks, a testament to the respect the veteran diplomat still commands in China.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry have also visited Beijing but did not secure face time with China’s president. With its overtly warm reception of Mr. Kissinger, Beijing has sent a clear signal that it seeks increased engagement from the US. Mr. Wang asserted that “the US’ China policy needs Kissinger’s diplomatic wisdom and Nixon’s political courage.”
Nonetheless, China’s fundamental priorities will remain unchanged, as Wen-ti Sung, a political scientist at the Australian National University, stated, “Beijing may potentially consider making token gestures of goodwill after Kissinger’s trip both as a thank you to its friend and to boost Kissinger’s standing. But do not expect it to meaningfully shift the fundamentals driving US-China relations, which will be governed not by individual considerations but by what Beijing sees as its own national interests.”
While Mr. Kissinger’s involvement in the Vietnam War may have garnered him a controversial reputation in other parts of Asia, in China, he continues to be highly regarded for his role in re-establishing the country’s engagement with the global community. In 1971, during a period of official non-engagement between the US and China, Mr. Kissinger conducted clandestine visits to Beijing, ultimately arranging a momentous visit by then-US President Richard Nixon the following year. This pivotal event paved the way for the normalization of US-China diplomatic relations and the opening up of China’s economy.
