Farewell to Henry Kissinger: The Chinese Internet Mourns an Era

The End of an Era Chinese Internet Honors the Legacy of Henry Kissinger in the United States

The Chinese internet is buzzing with tributes to Henry Kissinger, signaling the end of an era in the United States.

Henry Kissinger, the former US Secretary of State, has passed away at the age of 100, and the Chinese internet is beside itself. Just four hours after his death was announced, Kissinger’s name skyrocketed to the top charts of Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, with a whopping 660 million combined view count. Chinese commentators on Xiaohongshu, a rising new platform similar to a cross between Instagram and TikTok, have been posting glowing tributes to the former US diplomat.

One Weibo user expressed their sorrow by invoking the words of ancient Chinese warlord Cao Cao, saying, “Old friends are dying, like leaves in the wind.” This poetic saying encapsulates the sentiment in China towards Kissinger’s passing. Cao Cao, known for his respect for a renowned enemy general, Guan Yu, is reminiscent of China’s perspective on Kissinger. He is seen as a mighty servant of a rival superpower but also as someone who forged a path to mutual benefit.

Kissinger, who visited China over 100 times, is celebrated as an American heavyweight diplomat who adhered to wisdom and compromise. At a time when Washington engages in what Beijing portrays as a bizarre attack on China’s economy and sovereignty, Kissinger’s diplomatic approach stands in contrast. Chinese leader Xi Jinping even called him an “old friend of the Chinese people” during Kissinger’s visit in July.

With Kissinger’s passing, and the recent death of Berkshire Hathaway’s Charlie Munger, many Chinese netizens feel that an era in the United States has come to an end. Tributes for both men have poured into Weibo, with Kissinger garnering the lion’s share of attention. Munger, respected for his wealth and recognition of China’s achievements, and Kissinger, seen as an icon for America’s role in bringing prosperity and modernity to China, both lived long lives, an admired trait highlighted in the online discussions.

“He was a participant, promoter, and founder of Sino-US relations,” one blogger wrote of Kissinger, accompanied by candle emojis. Another netizen lamented, “I can’t help but lament the passing of this era where heroes were born in large numbers.” These sentiments echo the aging Cao Cao’s grief over a fading era of heroes, when he and rival warlords rose to power in a legendary narrative that resonates as deeply in China as the Nativity does in the US.

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Kissinger represented a bygone era when the US embraced China’s growth, seeking to benefit from it rather than curb its potential dominance. His secretive trips to China to arrange historic meetings between President Richard Nixon and China’s leaders in the 1970s remain a part of his legacy. Today, his death has become the number one topic on Weibo, with nearly half a million views on news of his passing alone.

As we bid farewell to Henry Kissinger, the Chinese internet mourns the end of an era. The legacy and impact of his diplomatic efforts leave a lasting imprint on Sino-US relations. The heartfelt tributes and discussions online serve as a testament to his significance in the eyes of the Chinese people.

Did you ever admire Henry Kissinger? Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Let’s pay tribute to a remarkable figure in history.

• China
• Internet
• Social Media