Henry Kissinger, the Nobel Prize-winning educational and American diplomat, died on the age of 100 on Wednesday.
The “enigmatic realist“, who fled Nazi Germany for the US as a toddler, grew to become a US secretary of state and a political movie star.
His work on the diplomatic opening of China to the US and landmark US-Soviet arms offers earned him respect. Nonetheless, his function within the Vietnam Conflict, his polarising insurance policies in the US’s bombing of Cambodia from 1969, and his assist for anti-communist dictatorships, significantly in Latin America, made him a divisive determine.
The information of his loss of life evoked polarised reactions from all over the world.
China
Xie Feng, ambassador to the US
“Deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Kissinger’s passing at 100 … It is a tremendous loss for both our countries and the world. The history will remember what the centenarian had contributed to China-US relations, and he will always remain alive in the hearts of the Chinese people as a most valued old friend.”
Wang Wenbin, Ministry of Overseas Affairs spokesperson
“[Kissinger] had long been concerned about and supported the development of China-US relations, visiting China more than a hundred times and making historic contributions to promote the normalisation of China-US relations.”
European Union
Charles Michel, European Council president
“I had the privilege to meet with Henry several times. A kind human and a brilliant mind who, over one hundred years, shaped the destinies of some of the most important events of the century.”
France
Emmanuel Macron, president
“Henry Kissinger was a giant of history. His century of ideas and of diplomacy had a lasting influence on his time and on our world.”
Germany
Olaf Scholz, chancellor
Scholz hailed Kissinger for his “commitment to the transatlantic friendship”.
“He always remained close to his German homeland. The world has lost a great diplomat.”
Henry Kissinger formed American overseas coverage like few others. His dedication to the transatlantic friendship between the USA and Germany was vital, and he at all times remained near his German homeland. The world has misplaced an important diplomat. pic.twitter.com/waEQsq51yo
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) November 30, 2023
Russian Federation
Vladimir Putin, president
Putin expressed his condolences over the loss of life of Kissinger, saying in a telegram to Kissinger’s widow Nancy that he was a “wise and farsighted statesman”.
“The name of Henry Kissinger is inextricably linked with a pragmatic foreign policy line, which at one time made it possible to achieve detente in international tensions and reach the most important Soviet-American agreements that contributed to the strengthening of global security,” Putin mentioned in response to a press release launched by the Kremlin.
“I had the opportunity to personally communicate with this deep, extraordinary man many times, and I will undoubtedly retain the fondest memory of him.”
Ukraine
Dmytro Kuleba, overseas minister
“The century of Henry Kissinger was no easy one, but its great challenges fit his great and curious mind.”
The century of Henry Kissinger was no simple one, however its nice challenges match his nice and curious thoughts. He modified its tempo and the face of diplomacy. Crisp in ideas, prolific in writings. His mental legacy will proceed to affect the understanding of diplomacy and… pic.twitter.com/NaMJXIUZB6
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) November 30, 2023
United Kingdom
David Cameron, overseas secretary
Cameron mentioned he was saddened to listen to of Kissinger’s loss of life, calling him a “great statesman”.
“He was an important statesman and a deeply revered diplomat who will likely be tremendously missed on the world stage.
“Even at 100, his wisdom and thoughtfulness shone through.”
Most saddened to listen to that Henry Kissinger has handed away.
Only some months in the past, we mentioned points as large ranging because the conflict in Ukraine, the risk Iran presents and the recent challenges posed by Russia and China.
Even at 100, his knowledge and thoughtfulness shone via.… pic.twitter.com/RnzYUBIVSv
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) November 30, 2023
United States
George W Bush, former US president
“America has misplaced probably the most reliable and distinctive voices on overseas affairs with the passing of Henry Kissinger. I’ve lengthy admired the person who fled the Nazis as a younger boy from a Jewish household, then fought them in the US Military.
“When he later grew to become secretary of state, his appointment as a former refugee mentioned as a lot about his greatness because it did America’s greatness.
“He labored within the administrations of two presidents and recommended many extra. I’m grateful for that service and recommendation, however I’m most grateful for his friendship.
“Laura and I will miss his wisdom, his charm, and his humor. And we will always be thankful for the contributions of Henry Kissinger.”
Martin Indyk, former US particular envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, creator of Grasp of the Sport: Henry Kissinger and the Artwork of Center East Diplomacy
“Kissinger was a person of historical past, however he was additionally a scholar of historical past, and his information of historical past, his deep understanding, significantly of European Nineteenth-century historical past, knowledgeable his entire method to the world.
“He was deeply skeptical of those that would purpose to attempt to obtain a peaceable world. He was rather more centered on establishing order as a result of order was extra dependable than peace…
“His was a very conservative approach, based on the need for a balance of power on the side of those who would maintain the order and against those who would seek to disrupt it.”
Mike Pompeo, former US secretary of state
“I will always be grateful for his gracious advice and help during my own time as Secretary. Always supportive and always informed, his wisdom made me better and more prepared after every one of our conversations.”
Henry Kissinger was a mannequin of service and an important American.
From the day he got here to the US as an adolescent fleeing Nazi Germany, Dr. Kissinger devoted his life to serving this nice nation and retaining America protected.
He left an indelible mark on America’s historical past… pic.twitter.com/nfm4PPvyHp
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) November 30, 2023
Winston Lord, former US ambassador to China and Kissinger’s former particular assistant on the Nationwide Safety Council
“The world has misplaced a tireless advocate for peace. America has misplaced a towering champion for the nationwide curiosity. I’ve misplaced a cherished buddy and mentor.
“Henry blended the European sense of tragedy and the American immigrant’s sense of hope.
“During more than seven decades, he transformed America’s role in the world, held the nation together during a constitutional crisis, crafted visionary volumes, counseled world leaders, and enriched the national and international discourse.”
Criticism
Criticism of Kissinger was particularly sturdy on social media, the place many posted celebratory movies in response to his loss of life.
Rolling Stone journal
“Henry Kissinger, war criminal beloved by America’s ruling class, finally dies.”
How we’re dealing with the informationhttps://t.co/LK0UP6oGLt pic.twitter.com/bsH8mPbsYK
— Noah Shachtman (@NoahShachtman) November 30, 2023
Sophal Ear, scholar at Arizona State College
“Henry Kissinger’s bombing campaign likely killed hundreds of thousands of Cambodians – and set (a) path for the ravages of the Khmer Rouge,” Ear wrote in The Dialog.
“The cluster bombs dropped on Cambodia under Kissinger’s watch continue to destroy the lives of any man, woman or child who happens across them.”
