A Legacy Remembered:A poignant moment that transcends borders, China's President Xi Jinping and senior officials have expressed their heartfelt condolences to US President Joe Biden and others following the demise of the legendary US diplomat, Henry Kissinger. The Chinese foreign ministry revealed this somber news on Thursday, marking the end of an era as Kissinger, who had visited China over 100 times, passed away at the age of 100.
"Dr. Kissinger was a good old friend of the Chinese people. He is a pioneer and builder of Sino-US relations," declared Wang Wenbin, the ministry spokesperson, during a regular news conference. In a world where diplomatic ties often face challenges, Kissinger's contributions were hailed as "historic" in normalizing China-US relations. Ordinary Chinese citizens took to social media to express their widespread mourning for the man who had left an indelible mark on the nation.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also conveyed messages of condolence to Kissinger's family and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, highlighting the deep respect and regard the Chinese government had for the late diplomat.
Kissinger, having served as both secretary of state and national security adviser during the Nixon and Ford administrations, was a key figure in the opening of US diplomatic relations with China. His first visit to Beijing in 1971 paved the way for a significant diplomatic breakthrough and set the stage for a relationship that would shape global geopolitics for decades to come.
Wang Wenbin emphasized Kissinger's belief that China-US relations were crucial for the peace and prosperity not only of the two nations but the wider world. "China and the US should carry forward Kissinger's strategic vision, political courage, and diplomatic wisdom... and promote the sound, stable, and sustainable development of China-US relations," he urged.
Kissinger's influence extended beyond politics. Brian Wong, an assistant professor and geopolitical strategist at Hong Kong University, noted, "The overarching impression of Kissinger (in China) was that he was someone in America who understood the Chinese people." Kissinger was perceived as an outsider who comprehended China's imperative to transcend its self-imposed isolation in the 1960s and early 1970s, making him a symbol of understanding and cooperation.
As China bids farewell to a true 'China understander,' the world reflects on the enduring legacy of Henry Kissinger. His strategic vision, political acumen, and diplomatic finesse will undoubtedly continue to inspire efforts towards global harmony and cooperation. In a time when international relations face complex challenges, the lessons from Kissinger's legacy remain a beacon for fostering understanding and collaboration on the world stage.
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