Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during a surprise visit to Beijing this week. Xi hailed Kissinger as an “old friend” and praised his role in normalizing relations between the US and China half a century ago. Kissinger, who has visited China over 100 times since his first visit in 1971, expressed gratitude for the meeting and emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two countries. The fact that Kissinger was granted an audience with Xi highlights his high regard among China’s leadership. This meeting comes amid a series of trips by US cabinet officials to China, with Kissinger’s visit overlapping with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry’s high-profile visit. While Kerry did not meet with Xi, Kissinger’s meeting signifies the importance of unofficial people-to-people relations in China’s interactions with the US. The meeting also reflects a trend of China seeking to meet with individuals who are willing to speak out for China and improve ties. The setting of the meeting, with Xi and Kissinger seated across a small tea table, further emphasizes the cordial nature of their encounter.
What does the rendezvous between Xi Jinping and Henry Kissinger signify in terms of China’s willingness to engage with individuals who advocate for its interests and improve bilateral ties with the US
Chinese leader Xi Jinping surprised everyone with a visit to Beijing this week, where he had a momentous meeting with former US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger. Xi warmly referred to Kissinger as an “old friend” and commended his vital role in the normalization of US-China relations half a century ago. Kissinger, who has been to China more than 100 times since his first visit in 1971, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet and stressed the significance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
The fact that Xi granted Kissinger an audience showcases the esteemed respect with which China’s leadership regards him. This rendezvous occurred amidst a series of visits to China by US cabinet officials. Coincidentally, Kissinger’s trip coincided with a high-profile visit by US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry. While Kerry did not meet with Xi, Kissinger’s meeting underscores the crucial role of informal people-to-people connections in China’s interactions with the US. It also signifies China’s inclination to engage with individuals who are willing to advocate for China’s interests and improve bilateral ties.
The setting for the meeting, where Xi and Kissinger sat together across a small tea table, further reinforces the amicable nature of their encounter. This meeting between two influential figures from China and the US hints at the ongoing efforts to strengthen relations and promote peaceful cooperation between both nations.
