Chinese President Xi Jinping met with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Beijing, stating that the two countries are currently facing a critical moment in their bilateral relationship. Kissinger, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, had also met with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu prior to his meeting with Xi.
During their meeting, President Xi emphasized that China and the US are once again at a crossroads, and both sides need to make a choice. He expressed that the Chinese people never forget their old friends and that Sino-US relations will always be linked with the name of Henry Kissinger. Xi also expressed China’s willingness to explore ways of peaceful coexistence between the two global powers.
Kissinger, who served as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford in the 1970s, highlighted the significance of Sino-American relations, stating that they are not just a matter of world peace but also the progress of human society.
The meeting between Xi Jinping and Henry Kissinger comes at a time when US-China relations have been steadily deteriorating, especially regarding the issues of Taiwan and trade. In an apparent attempt to defuse the situation, the Biden administration has sent high-ranking officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to Beijing.
The US has also been strengthening its military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region with countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea, while arming Taiwan. This has raised concerns and tensions between the two superpowers.
Recently, at the NATO summit in Vilnius, the alliance accused China of pursuing coercive policies that threaten its interests. Beijing has strongly denied these allegations, considering them as slander and a smear campaign. China has accused NATO of being trapped in a Cold War mentality.
Henry Kissinger’s visit to China holds great significance, as he played a crucial role in ending the Vietnam War and normalizing relations between the US and China during the Cold War era. His diplomatic efforts aimed at leveraging China against the Soviet Union have had long-lasting effects on global geopolitics.
The meeting between Kissinger and Xi Jinping signals an opportunity for both countries to reassess and reevaluate their relationship in the face of escalating tensions. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving conflicts and maintaining global peace.
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