Taiwan

On Taiwan, Dr Kissinger recalled how when he first met with Premier Zhou Enlai, the United States had not yet recognized the PRC, but together they devised the formula of the Shanghai Communiqué in which America recognized one China.

Since then, he said "The United States has repeatedly said we support one China and oppose any efforts to have a ‘two China' solution or a ‘one China, one Taiwan' solution." Noting that the Chinese government has said it wants to solve the issue by peaceful means, Dr Kissinger said "We have come a long way, and I believe we will go the rest of the way so I do not believe that Taiwan should be an obstacle to our relations."

He added that the arms embargo on China and continuing arms sales to Taiwan were issues that would need to be addressed in the future, adding "I have been sympathetic to improving the military to military relationship between the United States and the People's Republic."

Strategic focus in bilateral relations

Dr Kissinger stated his belief that there is no more important relationship in the world than that between China and the United States, and added that relations between the two countries "need to be taken to an even higher level."

Dr Kissinger stressed the need for regular Sino-American summits to discuss strategic issues. Recalling his first trips to China 38 years ago, which were undertaken in secrecy because he and President Nixon were afraid that their initiative would be derailed by domestic opposition, Dr Kissinger said the discussions were dominated by major global issues.

"In normal diplomacy, urgent problems drive out important problems. When Nixon met Mao and I met Zhou Enlai there were no urgent day to day problems, there were only big strategic problems."

"When our Presidents meet, and I hope they will meet regularly, they will focus on the long-term strategic problems."

Hillary Clinton

Dr Kissinger expressed his confidence in President-elect Obama's appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, saying "I wish Hillary every success. I'm confident that she will be a strong and intelligent secretary of state and I have every confidence that her approach to Sino-American relations will be very positive."

Hopeful for the future

Dr Kissinger admitted that faced with multiple global problems that have to be addressed simultaneously national leaders have a tremendously complex job. "But while the problems are great the opportunities are also very considerable. And that's why I am very hopeful for the future."

(China.org.cn by John Sexton and Zhou Jing January 13, 2009)