New Delhi: Henry Kissinger, the former US Secretary of State who played a key role in normalizing US-China relations in the 1970s, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday during a surprise visit to Beijing, according to Chinese state media.
The meeting took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, a diplomatic complex where Kissinger was received during his first visit to China in 1971 when he secretly met with Chinese leaders to pave the way for then-US President Richard Nixon’s historic trip the following year.
Xi hailed Kissinger as an “old friend” and praised his “historic contribution” to the development of China-US relations and the friendship between the two peoples, Xinhua reported. Xi also said that China and the US are at a crossroads and need to make a choice again, urging Kissinger and like-minded Americans to play a constructive role in bringing the bilateral ties back on the right track.
Kissinger thanked Xi for choosing to meet him in the same building where he met Chinese leaders for the first time and said that the US-China relationship is of vital importance to the peace and prosperity of both countries and the world. He also vowed to make efforts to enhance mutual understanding between the two sides.
The meeting comes amid growing tensions and challenges between the world’s two largest economies, which have clashed over trade, technology, human rights, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other issues. The Biden administration has said that it seeks “competition, not conflict” with China, but also that it will stand up for its interests and values.
Kissinger’s visit also coincided with that of US climate envoy John Kerry, who was in Beijing this week for talks with Chinese officials on cooperation on climate change ahead of a UN summit in November. Kerry did not meet with Xi, despite being a former US Secretary of State himself and a serving member of President Joe Biden’s administration.
Kissinger, who celebrated his 100th birthday in June, has visited China more than 100 times since 1971 and has maintained close ties with Chinese leaders over the decades. He is widely respected in China as a veteran diplomat and strategic thinker. He has also been a frequent commentator on US-China relations, calling for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
