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At 100, Henry Kissinger still seen as influential ‘old friend’ in China despite ‘complicated’ legacy in US
- The new centenarian, famous for his groundbreaking secret trip to China in 1971, is now worried about a confrontation between superpowers
- Observers say the statesman’s continued popularity in Beijing underscores importance attached to ties with Washington in spite of geopolitical rivalry
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Henry Kissinger remains fixated on China more than 50 years after his secret, groundbreaking trip to Beijing in 1971.
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Unlike half a century ago, when he triangulated Beijing against Moscow with the reopening of direct diplomacy, tilting the Cold War balance of power, the former US secretary of state is now worried about a superpower war with Beijing.
Kissinger, who turns 100 on Saturday, has repeatedly warned of “catastrophic consequences” of a military confrontation between the two giants, which he has said are in “the foothills of a cold war”.
While many say his influence has dwindled in Washington, this is not the case in China.
“When Kissinger talks about the world situation and China, which he still does regularly, we should definitely listen to him with veneration and attention,” said a Chinese diplomat, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
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