Chinese President Xi Jinping met former US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor (NSA) Henry Kissinger in Beijing on Thursday and called him an “old friend.”
During the meeting, Xi appreciated Kissinger’s past efforts to normalise Sino-US ties under the Nixon Administration, and said that cooperation between the US and China would benefit the whole world.
Kissinger is in China on a surprise visit amid attempts by the two sides to smoothen their strained ties. During his visit to the Asian superpower, the former NSA met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu as well.
‘Historic’ Meeting
The meeting between Xi and Kissinger took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. “It was also in July in the same place - Villa No. 5 of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse - you [Kissinger] and Premier Zhou Enlai had a meeting to start the normalisation process,” Xi recalled, adding the meeting was of historical significance.
During the meeting, Xi said China is grateful to “old friends” like Kissinger. “We will not forget the historical contributions you have made to the development of China-US relations and the friendship between the Chinese and American people.”
“The Chinese people won’t forget an old friend, won’t forget your historical contribution to advancing China-US relations and helping enhance the friendship of people of the two countries,” Chinese President Xi told Kissinger during their meeting Thursday. pic.twitter.com/4BpsC4WX0Z
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) July 20, 2023
In his meeting with the centenarian, Xi pointed out that Kissinger celebrated his 100th birthday on 27 May and has visited China more than 100 times.
Referring to Kissinger’s role in normalising ties between China and the US during the era of President Richard Nixon, Xi said, “Fifty-two years ago, China and the US were at a critical turning point.” The Chinese president appreciated the efforts of Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai, President Nixon and Kissinger towards facilitating Sino-US cooperation.
Three Pillars of US-China Cooperation
Xi emphasised that the world is undergoing significant changes unseen in a century, and major changes have occurred in the international structure.
“China and the US are once again at the crossroads of where to go, and the two sides need to make another choice.”
President Xi Jinping met with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. President Xi noted that Dr. Kissinger has recently celebrated his 100th birthday and has paid more than 100 visits to China over the years. These two 100s give this visit special significance. pic.twitter.com/vqqOvhZbcB
— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) July 20, 2023
“The key is to follow the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation,” Xi remarked.
He added that cooperation between the US and China benefits both sides and also the world. To this end, he urged Kissinger to play a constructive role in restoring China-US relations.
Kissinger’s Remarks
In response to Xi’s advances, Kissinger said, “US-China relationship is of vital importance to the peace and prosperity of both countries and the world.”
He reiterated that, under the current situation, the two countries should abide by the principles set in the “Shanghai Communique,” understand the extreme importance of the one-China principle to China, and promote the development of US-China relations in a positive direction.
With the communique signed in 1972, the two countries pledged to work for the “normalisation” of relations.
The 100-year-old said that he was willing to continue to enhance mutual understanding between the people of both countries.
Washington and Beijing are attempting to resume engagement and have seen several high-profile visits recently, including those of US envoy John Kerry and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.