Xi Jinping Meets 100-Year-Old "Legendary Diplomat" Henry Kissinger in Beijing, Calls for US-China Rapprochement

On July 20, Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a meeting with former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. The meeting was reported by state media, which hailed Kissinger as a "legendary diplomat" and recognized his pivotal role in opening up relations between China and the United States in the 1970s.

During the meeting, Kissinger advocated for a rapprochement between the two global powers, highlighting the existing disagreements on various issues such as human rights, trade, and national security. His visit to Beijing coincided with US climate envoy John Kerry's trip to China and followed recent visits by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Diaoyutai State Guesthouse's building number five, where the meeting took place, holds historical significance, as it was the location of Kissinger's secretive visit to Beijing in 1971. That visit set the stage for former US President Richard Nixon's landmark visit to China, a move that contributed to China's transformation into a manufacturing powerhouse and the world's second-largest economy.

Since his time in office, Kissinger, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, has played a significant role in advising businesses on China. He has consistently warned against adopting a hawkish approach in US policy towards China.

Kissinger's visit to China on this occasion marked a momentous occasion, as he celebrated his 100th birthday on May 27 of this year. According to CCTV, Kissinger has visited China more than 100 times since 1971, making him a highly respected figure in diplomatic circles.

During his time in China, Kissinger also had discussions with Chinese defense minister Li Shangfu, where he emphasized the need for both the United States and China to address misunderstandings, coexist peacefully, and avoid confrontation in today's world, which presents both challenges and opportunities.

Kissinger's diplomatic wisdom and Nixon-style political courage were praised by top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, who acknowledged his historic contributions to the development of China-US relations.

The meeting between Xi Jinping and Henry Kissinger marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to foster a constructive dialogue between the United States and China amid their complex and multifaceted relationship.