Amb. Burns Reflects from Beijing

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Jan 13, 2025

R. Nicholas Burns, Biden’s Ambassador to China, shares insights from his 35 years in diplomacy. He discusses the nuanced strategies of U.S.-China negotiations, contrasting them with Cold War tactics. The ambassador dives into China’s alliances with Iran and North Korea, questioning their impact on credibility. He emphasizes the role of European alliances in countering Chinese aggression and explores areas for productive engagement between the U.S. and China. Finally, he reflects on the personal and emotional aspects of diplomatic farewells.

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ANECDOTE

Kissinger's Centenarian Visit

Nicholas Burns consulted Henry Kissinger multiple times before and during his ambassadorship to China.
Kissinger, even at 100, visited Beijing, offering Burns valuable historical perspective on US-China relations.

INSIGHT

No Reverse Kissinger

Unlike Nixon's era, there's no clear opening for a 'reverse Kissinger' play in current US-China relations.
China's alignment with 'agents of world disorder' like Russia, Iran, and North Korea complicates potential rapprochement.

ADVICE

The Power of Dialogue

Maintain daily communication with China across various levels, from working-level to cabinet-level.
Aim for introspective dialogue to understand motivations and boundaries, not just scoring points.

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