The Enduring Influence of Henry Kissinger on China and Southeast Asia

In this opinion piece, David Daokui Li, a professor of economics at Tsinghua University, reflects on the impact of Henry Kissinger's approach to China. Li acknowledges his initial misunderstanding of Kissinger's visit to China in 1972 and highlights the positive changes that followed, including China's era of reform and opening. Li argues that Kissinger's understanding of China's perspective and his belief in treating China as an equal partner in resolving global challenges are still relevant today. He cautions against viewing China as a great threat and advocates for cooperation rather than a hawkish approach in US-China relations. Li concludes by emphasizing the need for American statesmen to learn from Kissinger's views on China.