On July 19, 2023, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger in Beijing.
Wang Yi said that Dr. Henry A. Kissinger has made historic contributions to the ice-breaking development of China-U.S. relations and played an irreplaceable role in enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries. The Chinese side cherishes the friendship with its old friends. China’s policy toward the United States remains highly consistent, and is guided by the fundamental principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping. The three principles, fundamental and long-term in nature, are the right way for China and the United States to get along with each other as two major countries. China’s development is driven by strong internal dynamics and is grounded in an inevitable logic of history. It is not possible to try to transform China, even less to encircle or contain China. The U.S. policies toward China require Kissinger-style diplomatic wisdom and Nixon-style political courage.
Wang Yi expounded on China’s position on the Taiwan question, stressing that one China is the most fundamental status quo of the Taiwan question, “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace and stability are as irreconcilable as fire and water, and the one-China principle enshrined in the Shanghai Communiqué must be observed. If the United States sincerely hopes for cross-Strait peace and stability, it should take clear and open actions to reject “Taiwan independence” and make a clean break with “Taiwan independence” separatist acts.
Kissinger said that both the United States and China have the ability to have impact on the world. A stable U.S.-China relationship bears on world peace, stability and the well-being of humanity. No matter how difficult it is, both sides should treat each other as equals and maintain contact. It is not acceptable to try to isolate or separate from the other side. One China is a solemn commitment made by the United States in the Shanghai Communiqué, which he believes will never be shaken or broken. Kissinger said although he does not hold public office, he is concerned about U.S.-China relations and supports recent efforts made by both sides to improve relations.
The two sides also discussed issues on Ukraine and artificial intelligence, among others.
