Academics and experts from China and the United States convened in Shanghai on 31 October for the China-US Intergenerational Dialogue 2026.
Zhu Feng stated that the Kissinger moment has passed for China-US relations, though he noted the legacy of Henry Kissinger remains a profound asset for the heart. Qian Jing argued that a scientist, a journalist, or a student participating in an international exchange for the first time must know what actions to take and who to contact if problems arise.
According to Qian Jing, both the United States and China must establish clear and predictable rules alongside institutional support. Successors to these bridge builders are needed and must be protected, Qian Jing said. Chinese students in the United States also saw a decline of nearly 29 per cent from their 2019-20 peak to approximately 266,000 in 2024-25.
John Quelch said that people crossing the bridge must feel confident it is safe and know how to pass across in an orderly, polite, and respectful manner. Quelch noted that individuals are afraid to cross if they face impediments, unexpected visa restrictions, or other bottlenecks. Henry Kissinger conducted a secret visit to China in 1971.
Kissinger visited China more than 100 times until his death in November 2023. The final trip Kissinger took to China was in July 2023, where he met with President Xi Jinping.
President Xi Jinping welcomed Henry Kissinger as an “old friend” of the Chinese people.
