Kissinger’s visit offers glimmer of hope that frayed ties can be repaired
- America’s elder statesman is in a unique position to get a clear understanding of what is on the mind of the Chinese leadership, and Beijing is eager to let him know
In years gone by, Henry Kissinger used to make occasional visits to China as a private United States citizen, and Beijing always rolled out the red carpet to welcome “an old friend”. This month though, the tone of his “private” visit was completely different.
An unmistakable sense of urgency was shown in his meeting with President Xi Jinping such that it even overshadowed the official mission of the US climate policy tsar John Kerry, who did not get to meet Xi.
The Chinese side insisted that Kissinger’s visit was planned for months and its overlap with Kerry’s was a mere coincidence. But that sounds like diplomatic niceties. It’s also significant that he met defence chief General Li Shangfu who is still under US sanctions.
It is as if the centenarian is back in his forte: diplomatic back-channelling. Relations between the two superpowers have become so fraught that one of America’s elder statesmen has to be called in to help prevent further deterioration. As someone respected in both capitals and yet not an official representative, Kissinger may help to convey the thinking on both sides and be able to talk more openly.
The toxic climate in Washington is such that some hardcore China hawks have called him a Chinese communist mouthpiece. While absurd, it shows how far things can slide in volatile US politics today.
But there is no denying that he is in a unique position to get a clear understanding of what is on the mind of the Chinese leadership, and that Beijing is eager to let him know.
His meeting with Xi was at the same venue where Kissinger first met with Premier Zhou Enlai. Their groundbreaking diplomacy led to the Shanghai Communique, the result of the political courage and wisdom of both leaderships back then.
The essence of the communique was “one China” and is believed to be the “historic contribution” Xi referred to when praising Kissinger, of course, among his many other achievements.
This is an important message from Beijing not just to the US as its presidential election is coming, but also to Taiwan where it is also having its election campaigns.
Henry Kissinger enjoys lavish lunch in China with blessings of longevity
Kissinger will likely not only share his findings with top US diplomats, but any potential candidates who wish to hear him out on China as the US presidential election cycle starts.
Of course, relations have frayed so much that having the 100-year-old, however respected, flying across the globe looks like grasping at straws. Things will not improve easily.
But having a heart-to-heart talk with top Chinese leaders may still work to reduce risks of miscalculation and misunderstanding. In that sense, the “unofficial” trip is important, especially as the two sides have reached such a low point. It may also be a glimmer of hope to remember that a hostile relationship need not last forever.
