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Farewell to Dr Henry Kissinger, an advocate for productive US-China relations by Zhu Zhiqun

Our friend Zhu Zhiqun, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bucknell University, published this article about the passing of Henry Kissinger.

The article talks about the legacy and contributions of Dr. Henry Kissinger, a former US Secretary of State and a renowned diplomat, who passed away at the age of 100 on November 30, 2023. The article praises Dr. Kissinger for his efforts to promote productive and peaceful relations between the US and China, especially during the Cold War era and the recent tensions over Taiwan and trade.

The article also highlights some of the key achievements and insights of Dr. Kissinger, such as his role in the historic 1972 visit of President Nixon to China, his vision of a multipolar world order, his advocacy of dialogue and cooperation over confrontation and conflict, and his warning of the dangers of a new Cold War.

The article concludes by expressing gratitude and respect for Kissinger, who was widely regarded as a friend of China and a wise statesman of the world.

To quote Professor Zhu, “Love him or hate him, Dr Kissinger played a pivotal role in history, teeing up President Richard Nixon’s visit to China and the normalization of US-China relations. Even when he left office, he continued to advocate for productive relations with China through engagement, and sought to explain Chinese diplomacy to Western audiences. Even as his admirers mourn the passing of a bygone era, it is now up to the young to take up the mantle of improving US-China relations.