Wang Yi Mourns the Passing of Henry Kissinger

On December 5, 2023, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi went to the U.S. Embassy in China to mourn the passing of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Wang wrote in the condolence book and expressed deep condolences for the passing of Dr. Kissinger.

Wang pointed out that Dr. Henry Kissinger was an old friend of the Chinese people who had made historic contributions to the normalization of China-u.s. relations and will be remembered by the Chinese people forever. Time has proven and will continue to prove that the political decision made by Dr. Henry Kissinger and the Chinese leaders in that year is in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, the development trend of the times, and the expectations of the international community.

Wang indicated that over the years, Dr. Henry Kissinger viewed China's development in an objective and friendly manner. He firmly believed that China and the United States, as two major countries, should and must coexist in peace. He was good at seeking common ground and opportunities for cooperation from the differences between China and the United States, demonstrating his foresight and vision as a diplomat, strategist, and statesman.

Wang emphasized that President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden had a successful summit meeting in San Francisco, where they had in-depth communication and reached a series of important common understandings on issues of strategic, overarching, and fundamental importance, which will help improve and develop bilateral relations in a sound, stable, and sustainable direction. The two sides should implement the common understandings reached by the two leaders.

Wang expressed the hope that the United States will work in the same direction with China, do more to help enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation, and take concrete actions to maintain the stability and improve momentum of Chinau.s. relations.

“China and Britain, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, bear important responsibilities for maintaining international peace and stability. The steady and sound development of bilateral relations not only serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples but also has strategic and global significance for promoting world peace and prosperity. China and Britain offer development opportunities to each other, and we hope that the British side will establish a correct understanding of China and grasp the general direction of the development of China-britain relations.”

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with David Cameron, British secretary of state for foreign, commonwealth, and development affairs, at the latter's request on December 5, 2023. “In the process of advancing Chinese modernization, the protection of human rights for the Chinese people will be further enhanced, and people's sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security will be further strengthened. China is ready to work with all parties to take the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a new starting point, jointly advance the cause of human rights in the world through constructive dialogue and cooperation, and steer the global governance of human rights toward greater fairness, justice, equity, and inclusiveness.”

Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said when attending the welcome reception of the International Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 5, 2023.