On July 20, 2023, President Xi Jinping met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry  Kissinger at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

Noting that Dr. Kissinger has just celebrated his 100th birthday and that he has paid more than 100 visits to China, Xi Jinping said this visit to China is of special significance in light of the two 100s. At a critical turning point for China and the United States 52 years ago, Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai as well as President Richard Nixon and Dr. Kissinger, with remarkable strategic vision, made the right choice to seek cooperation between China and the United States, starting the process of normalization of China-U.S. relations. This has not only benefited the two countries, but also changed the world. The Chinese people value friendship, and will never forget Dr. Kissinger, an old friend of China, and his historic contributions to promoting the growth of China-U.S. relations and enhancing the friendship between the Chinese and American people.

Xi Jinping emphasized that the world is currently undergoing momentous changes unseen in a century, and the international landscape is witnessing significant changes. China and the United States have once again reached a crossroads, and need to make a choice as to where to go from here. Looking into the future, China and the United States have every reason to help each other succeed and achieve common prosperity. The key is to follow the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. On this basis, China is willing to discuss with the United States the right way for the two countries to get along and steadily advance China-U.S. relations, which will benefit both sides and the world. Xi Jinping expressed his hope that Dr. Kissinger and other visionary people of the United States will continue to play a constructive role in bringing China-U.S. relations back on the right track.

Kissinger thanked President Xi Jinping for choosing to meet him at Villa No. 5 of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the same place where he met with Chinese leaders during his first visit to China. He said the U.S.-China relationship is vital to peace and prosperity of the two countries and the world at large. Under the current circumstances, it is important to abide by the principles set out in the Shanghai Communiqué, understand the extreme importance of the one-China principle to China, and steer the development of U.S.-China relations in a positive direction. Kissinger expressed his readiness to continue to work for deeper mutual understanding between the American and Chinese people.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.