Kissinger and Xi Met Under Plum Blossoms: "Sino-American Shared Prosperity Possible"

Kissinger, Who Opened US-China Exchanges, Emphasizes Longtime Friendship

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and emphasized that the two countries can help each other achieve common prosperity. Last month, during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, President Xi pointed out that the United States should not harm China's interests.

According to China Central (CC) TV on the 20th, President Xi met with former Secretary Kissinger at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing and said, "The Chinese people cherish friendship," adding, "We will never forget the historic contributions of this long-time friend who has helped promote the development of China-U.S. relations and strengthen friendship between our peoples."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

He referred to Kissinger’s role in thawing Cold War relations between the two countries in the 1970s, stating, "China and the United States are once again at a crossroads, and both sides must make another choice," emphasizing, "Looking ahead, China and the United States can help each other succeed and achieve common prosperity."

Kissinger, regarded as a senior elder in American diplomacy, led the U.S. table tennis team’s visit to China in 1971, opening the door to exchanges between the two countries. The following year, then-President Richard Nixon visited China and met with then-Chairman Mao Zedong, and the two leaders signed the joint communiqu? known as the "Shanghai Communiqu?," laying the groundwork for official diplomatic relations established in 1979.

On this day, President Xi stressed, "The key for China and the U.S. is to uphold the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation," and emphasized, "Based on this, China is willing to discuss how the two countries can get along well and promote stable development of bilateral relations." He also added, "This will benefit both sides and the world," and said, "I hope that you (former Secretary Kissinger) and insightful figures in the United States will play a constructive role in steering China-U.S. relations back onto the right track."

President Xi also noted that former Secretary Kissinger recently celebrated his 100th birthday and has visited China more than 100 times, emphasizing, "Combining these two hundreds, this visit to China holds special significance."

In response, former Secretary Kissinger expressed gratitude for the hospitality during his 1971 visit and said, "Given the current situation, we must adhere to the principles of the Shanghai Communiqu?, understand the importance of the 'One China' principle, and positively develop U.S.-China relations." He added, "We will continue efforts to enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and China."

Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that this meeting with former Secretary Kissinger had been planned at least two months in advance. Citing sources, SCMP explained, "Former Secretary Kissinger came to Beijing to understand the thinking of the Chinese leadership and will share his views with the U.S. government after returning home."

SCMP also highlighted that the two held their meeting under a large plum blossom painting. Given the meticulous planning of all movements and timing in Chinese politics, including President Xi’s itinerary, this was a meaningful choice. The plum blossom, which blooms despite the cold, symbolizes the will to overcome difficulties in China. The flower’s meaning is resilience and nobility.

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