Attempts to ‘transform’ or ‘contain’ China are futile, says senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi

Published: July 21,2023

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (R) meets with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Beijing, July 19, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said that Kissinger has made historic contributions to the ice-breaking development of China-U.S. relations and played an irreplaceable role in enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries. “China cherishes its friendship with old friends,” he noted.

Speaking on China-U.S. ties, Wang said that China maintains a high degree of continuity in its U.S. policy, which is based on the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“These three principles are fundamental and long-term, and they’re the correct way for China and the U.S. to get along as two major countries,” Wang said.

China’s development has strong internal dynamics and inevitable historical logic, Wang pointed out, adding that it is impossible to try to transform China, and it is even more impossible to contain China.

He also expounded on China’s position on Taiwan, saying there is only one China and the one-China principle defined in the Shanghai Communique must be abided by both countries. He expressed hope that the U.S. side can take actions to clearly and openly oppose “Taiwan independence” and draw a clear line with the separatist activities.

The Shanghai Communique was issued in 1972 during then-U.S. President Richard Nixon’s ice-breaking China visit. The communique acknowledged a key consensual willingness for the two sides to seek common ground while shelving their differences and laid a political foundation for the development of bilateral ties.

“U.S. policy towards China requires the diplomatic acumen of Kissinger and political courage of Nixon,” Wang said.

Kissinger said U.S.-China relations bear on world peace and the well-being of mankind as the two countries both have the ability to influence the world. He added that the two countries should treat each other equally, maintain contact and oppose isolation.

Regarding the Shanghai Communique, Kissinger said one-China is a solemn commitment made by the U.S. in the communique, and he believes it will not be shaken or broken. He added that although he doesn’t hold public office anymore, he cares about U.S.-China relations and supports efforts to improve them.

The two sides also discussed issues concerning the Ukraine crisis and artificial intelligence.

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