Today, the world bids farewell to one of the most exceptional statesmen of the 20th century, Henry Kissinger, who passed away at the remarkable age of 100. As someone who has spent the past two decades living in China, it's challenging to imagine the nation's trajectory without the enduring influence of this visionary diplomat. In many ways, Kissinger's pivotal role in convincing then U.S. President Richard Nixon to engage with China in the early 1970s, driven by pragmatic Realpolitik principles, laid the foundation for China's transformation into the global powerhouse it is today.

 

The power of Kissinger's diplomacy lies not only in its effectiveness but also in its unapologetic pursuit of American interests at the time. His diplomatic acumen was instrumental in opening the doors to the modern, interconnected China that we see today. His legacy is one of foresight and calculated diplomacy that reshaped the global landscape.

 

Kissinger initially saw China as an opportunist to balance the then Soviet Union, but also with an eye on the future, how can you not talk to one billion people?

 

Over 25 years ago, during a routine flight from Warsaw to London, I found myself in an unexpected yet enlightening encounter. Seated in the front row next to Henry Kissinger, who was engrossed in reading a manuscript, I marveled at the opportunity to engage with this diplomatic luminary. As the meal service commenced, he greeted me with a warm "good morning" in his distinctive Bavarian accent. Our conversation meandered from Poland's prospects for business to the changing world order.

 

One piece of advice from Dr. Kissinger that has remained etched in my memory is the importance of waiting for translation, even if one is proficient in the local language. This simple yet profound counsel provided an extra 20 seconds to deliberate on a response—a testament to his wisdom and strategic thinking.

 

Ninety minutes later, as we touched down at Heathrow Airport and disembarked along with fellow passengers, my final image of Dr. Kissinger remains etched in my mind. There he sat, alone and unassuming, on a bench next to the baggage carousel, patiently waiting for his luggage—no one noticing him, just like any other traveler.

 

Henry Kissinger's remarkable journey through diplomacy and international relations has left an indelible mark on the world. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of strategic vision, diplomacy, and the enduring impact one individual can have on the course of history. As we bid farewell to this statesman, we reflect on the lessons learned from his life and the lasting influence of his contributions to the world stage.

 

Henry Kissinger played a pivotal role in shaping modern China through his strategic engagement with the People's Republic of China during his tenure as the U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor to US President Nixon and Ford 1969 to 1977. His diplomatic efforts had far-reaching implications for China's place in the world and its relationship with the United States.

 

One of the most significant contributions of Henry Kissinger to modern China was his instrumental role in facilitating the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and the PRC. In a clandestine and groundbreaking diplomatic mission in 1971, Kissinger embarked on a secret visit to Beijing, laying the groundwork for what would become a historic shift in U.S. foreign policy. This paved the way for President Richard Nixon's monumental visit to China in 1972 and, ultimately, the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 1979.

 

Before Kissinger's diplomatic efforts, China had been isolated both diplomatically and politically from much of the world. However, through his engagement and dialogue with China's leaders, Kissinger helped bring the nation out of its diplomatic isolation and onto the global stage as a significant player in international relations.

 

Kissinger's approach to China was rooted in his broader strategy of maintaining a balance of power in international relations, particularly during the Cold War. By engaging with China, he aimed to create a triangular dynamic involving the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. This strategy had profound implications for global geopolitics and influenced the way nations positioned themselves during this period.

 

Kissinger recognized shared strategic interests between the United States and China, primarily their common perception of the Soviet Union as a common adversary. This shared concern led to increased cooperation and strategic alignment between the two nations, changing the dynamics of the Cold War.

 

The normalization of relations with the United States opened the door for economic and trade relations between China and the rest of the world. This laid the foundation for China's economic reforms, which gained momentum after Kissinger's diplomatic initiatives. These reforms eventually transformed China into the economic powerhouse on the global stage that it is today.

 

Kissinger's discussions with Chinese leaders, including Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai, helped modernize China's approach to diplomacy and foreign policy. This marked a shift from the ideologically driven foreign policy of the Cultural Revolution to a more pragmatic and strategic approach.

 

Henry Kissinger's diplomatic legacy continues to influence U.S.-China relations and global geopolitics. His emphasis on maintaining a dialogue with China, even during periods of tension, has remained a guiding principle in managing the complex U.S.-China relationship.  As recently as this past summer, Dr Kissinger visited Beijing and meet with Chinese President Xi as messenger and counselor to again, open the door, for China and the US to talk more about the common challenges and opportunities.  

 

A Billion people thank you Dr. Kissinger.

 

From Shanghai.

 

Alexander Glos