Beijing: Former US Secretary Henry
Kissinger, known for his role in 1971 in bringing about the
historic Sino-US rapprochement through his famous 'Ping-Pong'
diplomacy, is here again apparently to smoothen the strained
bilateral relations.
Kissinger, 86, regarded widely as Washington's trouble
shooter arrived in Beijing last weekend after discharged from
a hospital in Seoul where he underwent treatment for a stomach
ailment.
During his visit, coinciding with the tour of British
Foreign Secretary David Miliband, he met Chinese Vice Premier
Li Keqiang and discussed with him the strains in the bilateral
relations.
Li told Kissinger that he hoped America would safeguard
the stable growth of China-US ties. "The severe disturbance
that recently occurred in bilateral relations is not in
accordance with the interests of both countries," Li said.
The Chinese leader was referring to Washington's
announcement of weapon sales to Taiwan, President Barack
Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama and trade disputes between
the two countries, official media reported here.
Li praised the contribution made by Kissinger to
advancing the China-US cooperation, hoping he would continue
his efforts for the growth of bilateral relations, the report
said.
The Chinese leader said a sound China-US relationship was
in the fundamental interests of both nations and peoples, and
was also conducive to peace, stability and development of the
Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 15:37