Meeting Between Chinese President and Kissinger: 'Old Friends' Will Not Be Forgotten

On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Henry Kissinger, stating that 'old friends' like him will never be forgotten. Xi told Kissinger, 'Once again, China and the United States are at a crossroads about where to go from here, and once again both sides must choose.' Henry Kissinger, who served as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford in the 1970s, played a key diplomatic role in normalizing relations between Washington and Beijing. Referring to Kissinger's 100th birthday and his more than 100 visits to China, Xi said that his current visit holds 'special significance.' He addressed Kissinger, saying, 'The people of China will never forget their old friends, and the relationship between China and the United States will forever be tied to the name of Henry Kissinger.' Xi Jinping added that China and the United States can achieve mutual success and progress together, and the key to this is 'mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.' Kissinger, who is widely respected in China and visits regularly, expressed gratitude that the Chinese government arranged this meeting in the same building where he first met with Chinese leaders. According to the former U.S. Secretary of State, 'The relationship between the two countries is linked to peace and the progress of humanity.' Kissinger also emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles set out in the Shanghai Communiqué, understanding the significance of the One China policy for Beijing, and the necessity of guiding bilateral relations in a positive direction. Kissinger's visit to China comes amid increasing efforts by Washington and Beijing to prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations. He also privately met with Wang Yi, China's senior diplomat, and Li Shangfu, the Minister of Defense. Taiwan, Beijing's assertiveness in the South China Sea, human rights, trade, and the Ukraine war are among the major issues of contention between the United States and China. In recent weeks and months, Washington has sought to keep communication channels open with Beijing through visits by diplomats such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and Special Climate Envoy John Kerry. China criticized the potential visit of Taiwan's Vice President to the U.S. Kerry stated that the U.S. and China can lead the way in combating global warming. The Treasury Secretary expressed eagerness to cooperate with China on shared interests. China was displeased with the flight of a U.S. aircraft over the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. has expressed a desire for economic cooperation with China. Discussions between the foreign ministers of the U.S. and South Korea regarding China occurred, while North Korea issued another warning. Blinken was in Beijing, where the U.S. and China agreed to stabilize bilateral relations.