Kissinger: "US-China Talks Begin Efforts to Build a Bridge... More Optimistic Than Two Years Ago"

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (on screen) is speaking via video at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum held in Singapore on the 15th. (Photo by Bloomberg)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Henry Kissinger (99), former U.S. Secretary of State, known as the 'Diplomat of the Century' and regarded as a living witness to U.S.-China relations, positively evaluated the first face-to-face meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held on the sidelines of the Group of Twenty (G20) summit as a first step toward easing tensions between the two countries.

On the 15th (local time), former Secretary Kissinger participated via video in Bloomberg News' New Economy Forum held in Singapore, stating that much remains to be done to prevent clashes between the world's two largest economies, the U.S. and China. He said the meeting between President Biden and President Xi the previous day marked the beginning of "efforts to build bridges" between the two countries, including resuming cooperation in areas such as climate change and the global economy.

Former Secretary Kissinger said, "The two leaders, who met briefly, will come to understand the consequences of the economic disasters and military blows each has inflicted," emphasizing, "What we can say today is that a method of discussion has been agreed upon and a general statement has been issued. A longer road (that the two countries must resolve) still lies ahead."

Kissinger assessed that the current situation looks more optimistic than when he warned two years ago at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum that U.S.-China relations were entering the 'foothills of a Cold War.' He added, "They must pursue politics based on mutual consideration and require frank discussions. At least that door is now open."

He emphasized that Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, would welcome dialogue between the U.S. and China, noting that smaller countries do not want a hegemon to dominate a particular region and prefer dialogue. Since the U.S. and China are engaged in a hegemonic competition that could lead to a divisive and difficult situation, the easing of tensions itself can be interpreted positively by these countries.

The previous day, President Biden and President Xi held their first face-to-face meeting, discussing various issues for over three hours. While foreign media positively evaluated the fact that the U.S. and Chinese leaders, who had experienced sharp conflicts, held talks in the same room, they also pointed out that it is difficult to say that the two countries resolved their differences or found ultimate solutions on core issues such as Taiwan.

Meanwhile, former Secretary Kissinger predicted that the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion, can end when Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and borders are fully guaranteed through close relations with Europe. He said, "Looking back after the end of World War II, Russia must also strive in the long term to be drawn into the European world like Germany," adding, "However, since the basis for dialogue has not yet been established, ending the conflict with Russia will be much more difficult than improving relations with China."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.