Henry Kissinger's death has echoed widely all over the world, including in China and Russia, where government media mostly expressed regret that he was leaving a politician with whom to communicate.
Chinese and Russian media emphasize that current abroad policy pilots in the US have departed from the main rule that Kissinger preferred, namely Realpolitik. While the media in Russia has pointed out any "sins" to Kissinger, Chinese ratings dominate almost exclusively praise. In an extended text in “Global Times” Zhang Han writes that “Kissinger's departure prompts tribute, but besides reflections on US abroad policyIt’s okay. ” The author recalls that "President Chin Xi Jinping offered his condolences on Thursday on the death of Henry Kissinger, erstwhile U.S. Secretary of State, and an crucial figure in breaking ice between China and the U.S. in 100". "In his message Xi said Kissinger is simply a world-famous strategist and an old friend and a good friend of the Chinese people. Half a century ago, with an outstanding strategical vision, Kissinger made a historical contribution to normalising Chinese-American relations, which not only benefited both countries but besides changed the world," Xi said.
"Noting that Kissinger will always be remembered and valued by the Chinese people, Xi said China is ready to cooperate with the United States to proceed the substance of relationship between the 2 nations and advance the healthy and sustainable improvement of Chinese-American relations so as to benefit both nations and make a appropriate contribution to peace and improvement in the world".
The author recalls Kissinger's legendary journey to China in 1971: "Kissinger made a secret journey to China in 1971, which laid the foundation for president Nixon's historical visit to China the following year and the final normalization of Chinese-American relations. Since then, a German-born American diplomat visited China more than 100 times, most late in July 2023. During his last visit, Xi told Kissinger: “We never forget our old friends nor your historical contribution to promoting the improvement of Chinese-American relations and strengthening relationship between the 2 nations.”
And besides to play the opinion of Chinese officials. Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the United States, wrote that Kissinger's death is “a immense failure to both our countries and the world. past will remember what a centennial brought into Chinese-American relations, and will forever stay alive in Chinese hearts as the most valued old friend." Hua Chunying, Deputy Minister of abroad Affairs and spokesperson for the Ministry of abroad Affairs, wrote on X that “his historical efforts to open and build constructive relations with China will always be remembered. His imagination and wisdom will proceed to inspire people in the Pacific and worldwide."
Ombudsman of the Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs Wang Wenbin He called Kissinger a dear old friend of the Chinese people and a pioneer and co-founder of Chinese-American relations. ‘He will be greatly missed and will be mentioned by the Chinese people for his individual commitment and remarkable contribution to Chinese-American relations" "Wang said at c regular press briefing, calling on both China and the US to prosecute a strategical vision, political courage and diplomatic wisdom of Dr. Kissinger, and, in line with the findings of president Xi and president Biden in San Francisco, keep the rule of common respect, peaceful coexistence and cooperation beneficial to both parties, and work to guarantee a healthy, unchangeable and balanced relation between China and the United States.
The author of the “Global Times” noted that average Chinese on social media besides expressed their sympathy for Kissinger. We read: "Many Chinese mourned Kissinger not only for his individual contribution to Chinese-American relations, but besides lamented the departure of an era where the United States had smart minds in abroad politics and treated China in accordance with their realistic needs."
Political reactions in Russia were little exudable than in China, but it is besides stressed here that even though Kissinger primarily represented the U.S.'s powerful interests, it was besides possible to communicate with him. Vladimir Putin sent the following message to Kissinger's widow:
"Dear Mrs Kissinger, accept my deepest condolences on the death of your husband Henry Kissinger.
A prominent diplomat, intellectual and visionary statesman who enjoyed a well-deserved reputation throughout the planet for many decades left. Henry Kissinger's name is inextricably linked to a pragmatic abroad policy line, which allowed for relaxation in global relations and the Soviet-American agreement, which contributed to strengthening global security. Many times I had the chance to personally associate with this deep, different man, and no uncertainty I would hold a grateful memory of him.
I want you, and all your loved ones and friends, fortitude in the face of this mourning.
Honestly devoted Vladimir Putin’.
On this occasion, it is recalled in Russia that in a fresh interview published on 2.12.2023 by the Politico portal, Kissinger considered that "The main problem in relations between the United States and Russia is the deficiency of dialog between the 2 countriesIt’s okay. ” According to him, planet leaders failed to master the basic concepts needed to rule. "Societies must find a way to solve their problems without continuing conflicts. This is simply a challenge. We are facing a period of constant conflict leading to large wars that destruct a large part of the civilization that was built," said Kissinger.
In an extended article in government, “Rossijskoj Gazieta’ “ Unlike American politicians present who effort to cover up U.S. military interventions with apparent concern for human rights, Kissinger did not hide his credo, and so he spoke of moral purity: “A country that requires moral excellence in abroad policy will not accomplish either excellence or securityIt’s okay. ”
The paper emphasizes that he frequently sought dialog with the USSR and Russia against the establishment of the United States: “This has frequently been manifested in his quest for rapprochement with the USSR and then with Russia. For example, Kissinger persuaded president Ford not to meet a russian author and dissident in the White home Alexander SolzenicinEven though it's what the progressive American public wanted. Kissinger besides opposed Jackson's amendment limiting trade with the russian Union, which was adopted in 1974. He felt that all this would bind Washington's hands in conducting a relaxation policy in relations with the USSR. And this course, in his opinion, was in line with the interests of the United States for many reasons, including interior political and economical problems caused by the Vietnam War. As part of this policy, in 1972, the first treaty on the simplification of strategical arms between the USSR and the United States was concluded. At the same time, Kissinger insisted on military reinforcement of NATO, considering that European forces were incapable to argue the russian army in the event of a conflict."
Finally: “In fresh years Kissinger has been distinguished by the fact that, unlike most American politicians and thinkers, he did not fall into ideological rusophobia. By reason of his authority, the erstwhile Secretary of State was 1 of the fewer who could afford to do so without fear of being glued to the patch of the Kremlin's "marionette". Even after 2014, Moscow's relation with the West deteriorated, he repeatedly called for safety architecture to be built together with Russia in Europe."
In Russia it is not claimed that Kissinger was a friend of Russia, on the contrary, he was an opponent, but a predictable opponent: “Kissinger never had them, and he could never have [a sympathy for Russia] due to the fact that Russia was an opponent to him. However, he only approached relations with Moscow through the prism of Washington's pragmatic interests, as he saw them."
op. Jan Engelgard
photo of cremlin.ru
