A personal look at modern Chinese diplomacy
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The tight handclasp between veteran diplomat Huang Hua (right) and former US national security advisor Henry Kissinger during the Beijing Olympics in August shows their long-standing friendship. The two were key figures in promoting the normalization of Sino-US relations in the 1970s. Courtesy of Huang Hua's family |
After retirement from their official posts, Chinese diplomats used to keep a low profile. Some continued to serve in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Most just faded away. However, this is no longer the case. Quite a number now serve at NGOs, teach at universities and/or appear on TV interviews. Still others write memoirs. Qian Qichen, former state counselor and foreign minister, created publishing history when he authored a popular book called Case Histories in Diplomacy, expounding the principles and practice of Chinese diplomacy.
