President Xi saw the world undergo massive transformations unprecedented for a century, and the international landscape undergoing major transformations. “China and America have once again reached a crossroads, which requires another decision from the two countries about where to go,” Xi said. “Looking ahead, China and America can help each other succeed and thrive, and the way to achieve this is to follow the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation,” he added.
“China is prepared on this basis to search with the U.S. side for the right path for the two countries, to agree and move forward with their relations steadily, which will be beneficial to both sides and bring benefits to the world,” the Chinese president said.
The Chinese president expressed hope that Henry Kissinger and other U.S. insiders could continue to play a constructive role in getting Sino-U.S. relations back on track.
Beijing Sees Visit as Opportunity
For its part, Beijing perceived Kissinger’s visit as a chance to convey its political messages, primarily to the American public, then the American administration, and ultimately, the world at large. Kissinger was given a warmer reception than most current American officials when they visited Beijing, holding a series of significant meetings, the pinnacle of which was his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Certainly, Beijing carefully planned Kissinger’s schedule of meetings with Chinese officials, starting with a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shang Fu, a person on the U.S. sanctions list since 2017, due to Washington’s accusations of purchasing weapons from Rosoboronexport, Russia’s leading arms exporter.
Beijing had declined to hold a meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart unless U.S. sanctions on Secretary Fu were lifted. This move led White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby to remark, “It’s unfortunate that a private citizen can meet with the secretary of defense and establish contact when the United States cannot.” Kirby continued, “We want to resolve this. That’s why we persist in trying to reopen military lines of communication with Beijing. When these lines are closed and we’re in a period of high tension, poor assessments become highly likely, thereby escalating the stakes.”
Perhaps the most impactful messages were exchanged during a reception hosted by China’s top foreign relations official, Wang Yi, for Henry Kissinger in Beijing. During the reception, Yi declared, “China’s development has an internal momentum and historical inevitability, attempts to change or contain China are impossible.” He added that if the United States truly wishes to stabilize the Taiwan Strait region, it must draw a clear line on “separatist activities seeking Taiwan’s independence.”
Wang Yi, a notable figure in modern Chinese diplomacy, has been the Chinese foreign minister since 2013 and became responsible for foreign relations at the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. Each statement made by Wang has been meticulously considered, reflecting Beijing’s endorsement of his viewpoint and indicating that Chinese militancy may define the upcoming phase unless Washington alters its approach towards China.
Perhaps Wang’s most noteworthy assertion was that “Sino-American relations require Kissinger’s diplomatic wisdom and Nixon’s political courage,” implying a deficiency of wisdom and courage in the current U.S. administration. Wang’s statement that “China’s evolution adheres to historical logic” emphasizes China’s self-reliance and the accomplishments that have been made due to the foresight of its leadership and the dedication of its people.
Wang urged the U.S. to adhere to the key commitments made by President Joe Biden, namely, not to seek or instigate a new cold war with China, to cease efforts for regime change in China, and to halt support for “Taiwan independence,” adhering instead to the one-China policy agreed upon by both countries, for which Kissinger played a pivotal role.
The Chinese side has consistently adhered to the three principles proposed by President Xi Jinping: mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutual benefit. Kissinger’s visit to China culminated in a meeting with Chinese President Xi, during which Kissinger was given a standing ovation and referred to as “an old friend of Beijing.”