Renowned former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has made a surprise visit to Beijing, where he was warmly received by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The meeting between the two old friends took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse's building number five, the same location where Kissinger met with former premier Zhou Enlai in 1971. Kissinger's visit comes at a time when tensions between Washington and Beijing are at an all-time high, with the two nations locked in disputes over various issues including trade and national security.

President Xi expressed his gratitude to Kissinger for his historic contributions to promoting China-U.S. relations and enhancing friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. He emphasized the significance of their friendship and the impact it had on changing the world. Xi also highlighted the current global changes and the enormous transformation of the international order, stating that China and the United States are once again at a crossroads and must make a choice.

In response, Kissinger thanked Xi for hosting him and acknowledged the central role that the relationship between the two countries plays in global peace and progress. Kissinger's history with China dates back to his secret visit in 1971, which paved the way for President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking trip to China. This visit played a crucial role in establishing diplomatic ties between the United States and communist China and contributed to China's rise as a manufacturing powerhouse and the world's second-largest economy.

Since leaving office, Kissinger has remained closely connected to China and has visited the country more than 100 times. He has become a prominent advisor on China-related matters and has consistently advocated for a more diplomatic and conciliatory approach in U.S. policy towards China. During his visit, Kissinger also met with China's defense minister, Li Shangfu, and top diplomat, Wang Yi.

Li expressed his hope for the United States to work together with China to promote a healthy and stable development of the bilateral relationship and military ties. He criticized some individuals in the U.S. for not meeting China halfway and acknowledged that the atmosphere for friendly communication had been damaged. Kissinger emphasized the need to eliminate misunderstandings, coexist peacefully, and avoid confrontation.

The timing of Kissinger's visit is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with visits by other high-ranking U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and climate envoy John Kerry. These visits reflect a diplomatic push to restore contact between the two countries and their militaries, particularly regarding the sensitive issue of Taiwan.

Chinese state media has consistently praised Kissinger, portraying him as a wise and influential figure in promoting better relations between China and the United States. The visit by Kissinger, a key figure in diplomatic history, underscores the importance of maintaining dialogue and finding common ground in the face of mounting tensions between the world's two largest economies.