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looking forward to hearing her report from Royal Thai Armed Forces have stood united the trip. from Korea and Vietnam to Afghanistan and So, Mr. Prime Minister, I want to thank Iraq. Our free market economies have surged you very much for your hospitality. I want forward on a rising tide of trade and invest- to thank you for feeding my delegation. ment. Tourism has boomed as more people We’re looking forward to eating some good have discovered this beautiful and ancient Thai food, which is very famous throughout land. And some 200,000 Thai Americans now the world. Please give my very best regards enrich my nation with their enterprise and to His Majesty and Her Majesty. their culture and their faith. Prime Minister Samak. I will. On this historic anniversary of our alliance, President Bush. And thank you very America looks to Thailand as a leader in the much for being so gracious. region and a partner around the world. I was Prime Minister Samak. All right. Thank proud to designate Thailand a major non- you. NATO ally of the United States. I salute the NOTE: The President spoke at 7:51 p.m. at the Thai people on the restoration of democracy, Government House. In his remarks, the President which has proved that liberty and law reign referred to King Phumiphon Adunyadet and here in the ‘‘land of the free.’’ In many ways, Queen Sirikit of Thailand. the story of Thailand is the story of this re- gion. Over the past six decades, Asia has gone from an area mired in poverty and recovering Remarks in Bangkok from world war to a thriving and dynamic August 7, 2008 region. America has played a role in this transformation. By maintaining a stabilizing Thank you. Sawatdee khrap. Thank you for military presence, we helped to—we helped the warm welcome. Laura and I are de- free emerging nations to grow without con- lighted to be back in Bangkok. Such a beau- cerns about their security. By pursuing strong tiful city, full of gracious and hospitable peo- diplomatic engagement, we helped once-hos- ple. We appreciate the warm welcome ex- tile nations resolve their differences in peace. tended by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. By opening our markets to Asian exports, we I realize I’m a few days ahead of time, but helped powerful economies to take shape. I do wish Her Majesty a happy birthday. I’m proud of these contributions. Yet, the Above all, I bring America’s warmest wishes primary source of this region’s success is the to our oldest allies in Asia, the people of people. From South Korea to Singapore, na- Thailand. tions pursued economic policies based upon Our friendship began 175 years ago this free enterprise, free trade, and the rule of spring, when President Andrew Jackson dis- law. And the results have astounded the patched an envoy to Siam. Negotiations soon world. Last year, trade in goods between the concluded a treaty of peace and commerce United States and this side of the Pacific and sealed it, curiously enough, with a lotus reached $1 trillion. And there’s striking flower on one side and an eagle and stars change from the pattern of centuries: More on the other. Generations of close friendship trade now crosses the Pacific than the Atlan- followed. At one point, the Thai King offered tic. to send elephants to America. [Laughter] With the rise of economic freedom has President Abraham Lincoln politely de- come a dramatic expansion of political lib- clined. [Laughter] Yes, I was wondering erty. Think about this: After World War II, whether or not we can kind of get the offer Australia and New Zealand were the region’s back on the table. [Laughter] Although my only democracies. Today, the majority of ranch isn’t big enough, probably, to hold the Asian nations answer to their citizens. With elephants. [Laughter] this shift, the people of this region have de- The values of freedom and openness that fied the skeptics who claimed that Asian val- gave birth to our alliance have sustained it ues were incompatible with liberty. Free so- through the centuries. American troops and cieties emerged in largely Buddhist Thailand,

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largely Hindu India, largely Muslim Indo- tion of honesty and respect and shared val- nesia, largely Shinto Japan, and the largely ues. And when a new occupant moves into Christian Philippines. As freedom has taken the White House next year, America’s alli- root, peace has followed. And the region has ances in Asia will be the strongest they have gone decades without a major war. ever been. Some have called this transformation the As America has revitalized our treaty alli- ‘‘Asian miracle.’’ In truth, it’s no miracle at ances, we have forged deeper ties with other all. It’s evidence of universal truths: The pas- free nations in Asia. Countries that share our sion for liberty transcends culture and faith. democratic ideals should be natural partners Free markets unleash innovation and blaze of the United States. Yet, when I took office, the path to prosperity. Trusting in the natural our relations with many free nations in Asia talent and creativity of a nation’s people is were strained. For example, America has dra- the surest way to build a vibrant and hopeful matically improved our ties with India, the society. world’s largest democracy, including historic When I became President, I brought a agreement on civilian nuclear energy. conviction that America is a Pacific nation We’ve turned around our relationship with and that our interests and ideals require Indonesia, which is home to more Muslims stronger engagement in Asia than ever be- than any other nation on Earth. We’ve part- fore. So over the past 7 years, America has nered closely with Indonesia’s freely elected pursued four broad goals in the region: rein- government to help develop the institutions vigorate our alliances; forge new relation- of a vibrant democracy after decades of mili- ships with countries that share our values; tary rule. We signed a landmark agreement seize new opportunities for prosperity and with Mongolia to help boost democratic de- growth; and confront shared challenges to- velopment. We’ve enhanced cooperation gether. with the thriving countries of ASEAN, which Confident and purposeful alliances are the is now chaired by the great nation of Thai- best way to advance peace and prosperity in land. We’ve joined with free nations through- Asia. America has five treaty alliances in Asia. out the region to establish a new Asian Pa- And we take them seriously, and we bol- cific Democracy Partnership, the region’s stered each one. We signed a new treaty with only organization whose sole focus is pro- Australia that deepens our cooperation in moting democratic values and institutions in defense trade. We helped the Philippines Asia. upgrade its military capabilities. We’ve Overall, America has improved our rela- strengthened security initiatives here in Thai- tionships with all of Asia’s major powers at land. We’re improving our force posture in the same time. Experts would have said this South Korea by working to move our troops was impossible because of historical tensions out of cities and towns and into more strate- between these nations. But something has gically effective positions. We’ve reinforced rendered the old patterns obsolete. In an era our close alliance with Japan by launching of integrated markets and common threats, new missile defense initiatives and by trans- the expansion of freedom in one nation bene- forming our troop posture in a way that pre- fits all other free nations. This change marks serves our strong position to maintain the a sharp departure from the zero-sum men- peace in the Pacific. All these steps were de- tality of the past. And this change provides signed to reassure our allies that America will a clear charge for the future. Every nation stand firmly beside them in any test we face. in this region has a stake in ensuring that I’ve also worked to develop strong per- Asia continues to grow in liberty and pros- sonal relationships with our allies’ elected perity and hope. leaders. Who could ever forget the trip to One of the most powerful drivers of liberty Elvis’s place with Prime Minister Koizumi? and prosperity and hope is trade. When I [Laughter] I certainly will never forget it. took office, America had free trade agree- [Laughter] I don’t think a lot of people in ments in force with only three countries, Memphis, Tennessee, will ever forget it ei- none of them in Asia. Today, we have agree- ther. These friendships are built on a founda- ments in force with 14 countries, including

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Australia and Singapore. We’ve concluded a Together we’re confronting the threat promising agreement with South Korea, posed by North Korea. The nations of North- which I am pushing the United States Con- east Asia all have an urgent stake in ensuring gress to pass. We’ve begun negotiating free that Pyongyang does not threaten the region trade agreements with Malaysia and a bilat- with nuclear weapons. Yet, when I took of- eral investment treaty with Vietnam. We look fice, there was no way for these nations to forward to resuming trade negotiations with approach North Korea with a unified front. Thailand. We’ve supported the vision of a So America joined with China and South free trade area of the Asia Pacific, which Korea and Japan and Russia to create the would bring down trade barriers across this six-party talks. Faced with concerted pres- region. sure from all its neighbors, North Korea has The nations of the Asia Pacific now have pledged to dismantle its nuclear facilities and more vibrant trade and investment ties than give up its nuclear weapons. Recently, the ever before. And workers and consumers and regime submitted a declaration of nuclear ac- entrepreneurs across this region will reap the benefits from years to come. Unfortunately, tivities. Now, the North Korean regime must our country sometimes sends mixed signals commit to help us verify the declaration and about the openness of our economy. Voices address outstanding concerns about its be- of economic isolationism do not represent havior, including its proliferation and ura- the interests of the American people. For nium enrichment. decades, America has maintained a bipartisan The other five parties will stand united commitment to flexible and open markets, until we reach our ultimate goal: a Korean and this must not change. I urge people Peninsula free of oppression and free of nu- across this region to reject protectionism in clear weapons. And the United States will your own countries. Together, we can lead continue to insist that the regime in the world toward more growth and more jobs Pyongyang end its harsh rule and respect the and more opportunities by staying open for— dignity and human rights of the North Ko- to investment and trade. rean people. For all the gains we’ve made, our nations Together we seek an end to tyranny in still face challenges, and we’re working to- Burma. The noble cause has many devoted gether to confront them. No bigger chal- champions, and I happen to be married to lenge, as far as I’m concerned, than the one of them. Today Laura is traveling to the threat of terror; than the threat of extremists Thai-Burmese border, where she’s visiting a willing to murder the innocent to achieve resettlement camp and a medical clinic. their political objectives. With partners America reiterates our call on Burma’s mili- across this region, we have brought to justice tary junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi and some of the world’s most dangerous terror- other political prisoners. We’ll continue ists. We’re also working to counter the hate- working until the people of Burma have their ful ideology of the extremists by promoting freedom that they deserve. a more hopeful alternative, one based upon freedom and liberty. Together we’re confronting other serious We strongly support democracies like challenges to our people and prosperity. Thailand and Indonesia and Malaysia, which Governments across the region have coordi- are making determined stands against ex- nated efforts to address pandemics like avian tremists and showing that Islam and toler- flu. The major economies of the region are ance go hand in hand. Many of America’s working for a global climate agreement that friends in Asia have also stood with us in Af- improves energy security and cuts green- ghanistan and Iraq, where newly free people house gases without cutting economic are replacing decades of fear with a future growth. The region has come together to re- of hope. America is proud to stand with so spond to natural disasters, from the tsunami many brave partners in answering the call of 2004 to this year’s cyclone. With all these of our time. And no matter how difficult the partnerships, we’re deepening trust and test may be, we will not relent until this ideo- openness among our nations. And we’re en- logical struggle is won. suring that whatever challenges the future

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may bring, the nations of the Asia Pacific will discuss ways to ensure long-term growth and meet them together. widely shared prosperity in both our econo- One question on the minds of many here mies, as well as issues like currency exchange in Asia and many around the world, is the rates and intellectual property rights. future direction of China. I’ve been fas- Through these discussions and others, we’re cinated by China since my first trip there in making clear to China that being a global 1975, when my dad was the head of the economic leader carries with it the duty to United States Liaison Office in Beijing. At act responsibly on matters from energy to the the time, the country was just emerging from environment to development in places like the Cultural Revolution. Poverty was ramp- Africa. ant. Bicycles were everywhere, and people America and China have found other areas were wearing almost identical clothes. It of cooperation. We’re partnering to prevent seemed unimaginable that three decades the proliferation of weapons of mass destruc- later, Beijing would be sprinting into the tion. China has played a critical leadership modern era, covered in skyscrapers, filled role in the six-party talks. America has also with cars, and home to international busi- stressed our determination to maintain peace nesses, as well as hosting the Olympic games. across the Taiwan Strait. From the beginning Over the years, America has had complex of my Presidency, I have stated clearly that relations with China. I was determined to set America’s approach to Taiwan would be our relationship on sturdy and principled based on our longstanding ‘‘one China’’ pol- footing. Four goals we’ve pursued in Asia— icy, our three joint communiques, and our reinforcing our alliances, forming new demo- steadfast commitment to the security of Tai- cratic partnerships, deepening our economic wan’s democracy under the Taiwan Relations ties, and cooperating on shared challenges— Act. I’ve also articulated a principle that have given America and our allies valuable there should be no unilateral attempts by ei- new platforms from which to confidently en- ther side to alter the status quo. And as a gage China. A peaceful and successful future result of frank engagement and firm diplo- for this region requires the involvement of macy, the tensions that once roiled the Tai- both China and the United States. And it’s important that America’s engagement wan Strait have calmed, and we’re witnessing throughout the Asia Pacific be purposeful a new period of stability and peace. and enduring. Our constructive relationship in these China and the United States share impor- areas has placed America in a better position tant economic interests. The growth sparked to be honest and direct on other issues. I by China’s free market reforms is good for have spoken clearly and candidly and consist- the Chinese people, who are building a con- ently with China’s leaders about our deep fident middle class with a stake in a peaceful concerns over religious freedom and human future. China’s new purchasing power is rights. I have met repeatedly with Chinese good for the world, because it provides an dissidents and religious believers. The enormous market for exports from across the United States believes the people of China globe. The key to ensuring that all sides ben- deserve the fundamental liberty that is the efits is insisting that China adhere to the natural right of all human beings. rules of the international economic system. So, America stands in firm opposition to So, America strongly supported China’s ac- China’s detention of political dissidents and cession to the World Trade Organization, human rights advocates and religious activ- where we’re able to contest trade practices ists. We speak out for a free press, freedom that we find unfair. I was disappointed that of assembly, and labor rights not to antago- the Doha round of trade talks has stalled, nize China’s leaders, but because trusting its and the United States will continue to engage people with greater freedom is the only way China, India, and other nations to help reach for China to develop its full potential. We a successful collusion—conclusion. press for openness and justice not to impose America has also established a new stra- our beliefs, but to allow the Chinese people tegic economic dialog with China, where we to express theirs. As Chinese scientist Xu

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Liangying has said: ‘‘Human nature is uni- with the free people of Asia long into your versal and needs to pursue freedom and bright future. equality.’’ Thank you for your time. May God bless Ultimately, only China can decide what you. course it will follow. America and our part- ners are realistic, and we’re prepared for any NOTE: The President spoke at 9:30 a.m. at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. In his possibility. I’m optimistic about China’s fu- remarks, he referred to King Phumiphon ture. Young people who grow up with the Adunyadet and Queen Sirikit of Thailand; former freedom to trade goods will ultimately de- Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan; and mand the freedom to trade ideas, especially Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League on an unrestricted Internet. Change in China of Democracy in Burma. will arrive on its own terms and in keeping with its own history and its own traditions. Yet, change will arrive. And it will be clear Remarks Prior to a Lunch With for all to see that those who aspire to speak Burmese Activists in Bangkok their conscience and worship their God are August 7, 2008 no threat to the future of China. They’re the people who will make China a great nation The President. Thank you all for joining in the 21st century. me. I’m looking forward to my lunch with This is my last trip to East Asia as Presi- men and women who care deeply about the human condition in Burma. dent. I have great confidence that Asia will Unfortunately, my wife is not here. She’s continue to grow in opportunity and achieve- on the Thai-Burmese border talking about ment and influence. I’m confident because the same thing that we’re going to be talking I know the creative and enterprising spirit about. I want you to know, and want the peo- of this region’s people. I’m confident because ple of your country to know, the American the forces of freedom and hope that un- people care deeply about the people of leashed the transformation of Asia can never Burma, and we dream for the day in which be turned back. And I’m confident because people will be free. And part of my reason I know the bonds between America and our for asking you for lunch is not only to hear friends in Asia will never be broken. your own stories—hear your stories, but for When forces from Imperial Japan entered you to give me advice about what you think Thailand during World War II, the Thai Am- America ought to be doing. bassador in Washington was directed to de- I’ve just been briefed on the response to clare war on the United States. He bravely the typhoon. And I’m pleased that our Gov- refused to deliver the declaration. In turn, ernment was so generous. And I’m pleased America refused to recognize Thailand as our that a lot of the aid that we paid for is actually enemy. Instead, we helped Thais in America getting to the people themselves. One of my band together in a movement called Seri questions is not how much money you give, Thai. They deployed across the Pacific, infil- but is it actually making a significant dif- trated behind enemy lines, and gathered in- ference in people’s lives, and was told it is. telligence that helped speed the liberation I was told the stories about U.S. money going of this great land. to buy seed and fertilizer so farmers in the Several members of the Seri Thai move- delta can get their crops in the ground and ment are still with us—here. And I’m hon- feed their families and, hopefully, feed peo- ored you all are here, and I appreciate your ple in their communities. presence more than you can possibly know. I’m always inspired by acts of courage, and You’ve earned the lasting gratitude of the I’m having lunch with courageous people. So, American people. And all in this region can I want to thank you for coming. I have a count on a solemn promise from the United couple of comments, and then we’ll eat some States: America stood with the free people food. of Asia in the past; America stands with the Do you want to start, please? What’s your free people of Asia today. And we will stand name?

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