Zhao Ping
Henry Kissinger, Former US Secretary of State, will celebrate his 100th birthday this Saturday. This man played an important role in the history of US diplomacy when he secretly visited China in 1971 and worked to facilitate President Nixon’s groundbreaking trip to China in 1972. This visit had a significant impact on Sino-American relations and influenced the global pattern in the following decades.
On Friday, the Wall Street Journal published an exclusive interview with Henry Kissinger, in which he shared his latest views on the international situation; as against the backdrop of Sino-American competition, most of the major countries have lost their primary orientation, causing him to feel a sense of chaos.
Kissinger stated that the United States has a unique approach to foreign policies, as Americans believe their ideas are just. The US holds the belief that its perspectives should prevail, but China and other nations do not necessarily share this view. China prioritizes security over global dominance, and to prevent military conflicts with China, the US must avoid reckless confrontation and instead pursue dialogue.
In my opinion, Kissinger’s comprehension of Sino-American relations is both practical and realistic. As he emphasized in his speech, Sino-American relations are of great significance for both nations and the world. However, since the arrival of US President Trump, with the emergence of populism, internal conflicts within the United States, and the weakening of American national power, some American politicians have used China as a scapegoat to divert attention from America’s own issues and adopt a strong and arrogant stance towards China.
In order to protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests, China hopes that the United States will meet it halfway and work towards promoting dialogue, managing differences, and enhancing cooperation based on the common interests of both countries and the global community. Chinese President Xi has proposed three principles: Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. Recently, China’s new ambassador to the United States reaffirmed these principles and urged the United States to collaborate with China to restore bilateral relations on track.
It is uncertain how many people in Washington will accept China’s position and efforts. However, the wisdom of a century-old professional American diplomat may inspire Washington and help it recognize the significance of abandoning its hostile stance for the betterment of the world.