Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, July 6, 1998 Volume 34—Number 27 Pages 1243–1309

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Addresses and Remarks Interviews With the News Media See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders Exchange with reporters at the Great Wall in China Mutianyu, China—1255 Beijing University Library—1265 Interview with Central China Television in Beijing University, question-and-answer Shanghai—1289 session—1255 News conference with President Jiang of Building construction and finance China in Beijing, June 27 (No. 161)—1245 community in Shanghai—1294 Joint Statements Business leaders in Shanghai—1285 Chongwenmen Church in Beijing—1254 China-U.S. joint statements People of Guilin—1302 Anti-Personnel Landmines—1252 Biological Weapons Convention—1253 Radio call-in show in Shanghai—1275 Reception in Shanghai—1281 Letters and Messages Roundtable discussion on shaping China for Independence Day, message—1295 the 21st century in Shanghai—1267 Roundtable discussion with environmental Meetings With Foreign Leaders specialists in Guilin—1297 China Radio address—1244 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Chief Executive Tung—1304 Communications to Congress President Jiang—1245, 1252, 1253 Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Proclamations Treaty, letter transmitting report—1296 Estonia-U.S. tax convention with To Modify Duty-Free Treatment Under the documentation, message transmitting—1243 Generalized System of Preferences—1282 Latvia-U.S. tax convention with Statements by the President documentation, message transmitting—1243 Medicare, new benefits—1295 Lithuania-U.S. tax convention with Vietnam war unknown soldier, identification— documentation, message transmitting—1243 1281 Mongolia, letter transmitting report on most- favored-nation status—1297 Supplementary Materials Acts approved by the President—1309 Executive Orders Checklist of White House press releases— Administration of Arms Export Controls and 1308 Foreign Assistance—1266 Digest of other White House President’s Commission on the Celebration of announcements—1307 Women in American History—1296 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1308

Editor’s Note: The President was in Hong Kong on the closing date of this issue. In order to meet publication and distribution deadlines during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the cutoff time for this issue was advanced to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 1998. Documents released after that time will appear in the next issue.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; 1 CFR Part 10). PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, materials released by the White House during the preceding Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The week. charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- There are no restrictions on the republication of material lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under ments.

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Message to the Senate Transmitting Republic of Estonia for the Avoidance of the Lithuania-United States Tax Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Convention With Documentation Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, June 26, 1998 signed at Washington on January 15, 1998. Also transmitted is the report of the Depart- To the Senate of the United States: ment of State concerning the Convention. I transmit herewith for Senate advice and This Convention, which is similar to tax consent to ratification the Convention Be- treaties between the United States and tween the United States of America and the OECD nations, provides maximum rates of Government of the Republic of Lithuania for tax to be applied to various types of income the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the and protection from double taxation of in- Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to come. The Convention also provides for reso- Taxes on Income, signed at Washington on lution of disputes and sets forth rules making January 15, 1998. Also transmitted is the re- its benefits unavailable to residents that are port of the Department of State concerning engaged in treaty shopping. the Convention. I recommend that the Senate give early This Convention, which is similar to tax and favorable consideration to this Conven- treaties between the United States and tion and that the Senate give its advice and OECD nations, provides maximum rates of consent to ratification. tax to be applied to various types of income William J. Clinton and protection from double taxation of in- come. The Convention also provides for reso- The White House, lution of disputes and sets forth rules making June 26, 1998. its benefits unavailable to residents that are NOTE: This message was released by the Office engaged in treaty shopping. of the Press Secretary on June 27. I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to this Conven- tion and that the Senate give its advice and Message to the Senate Transmitting consent to ratification. the Latvia-United States Tax William J. Clinton Convention With Documentation The White House, June 26, 1998 June 26, 1998. To the Senate of the United States: I transmit herewith for Senate advice and NOTE: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on June 27. consent to ratification the Convention Be- tween the United States of America and the Republic of Latvia for the Avoidance of Dou- Message to the Senate Transmitting ble Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal the Estonia-United States Tax Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, Convention With Documentation signed at Washington on January 15, 1998. June 26, 1998 Also transmitted is the report of the Depart- ment of State concerning the Convention. To the Senate of the United States: This Convention, which is similar to tax I transmit herewith for Senate advice and treaties between the United States and consent to ratification the Convention Be- OECD nations, provides maximum rates of tween the United States of America and the tax to be applied to various types of income

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and protection from double taxation of in- that is essential to a peaceful, stable, and come. The Convention also provides for reso- prosperous world in the next century. We lution of disputes and sets forth rules making talked about the United States and China’s its benefits unavailable to residents that are mutual interests: promoting peace in Korea, engaged in treaty shopping. where 40,000 U.S. soldiers still risk their lives I recommend that the Senate give early to patrol the cold war’s last frontier; prevent- and favorable consideration to this Conven- ing a nuclear arms race between India and tion and that the Senate give its advice and Pakistan; restoring economic stability in Asia; consent to ratification. stopping the spread of nuclear, chemical, and William J. Clinton biological weapons and the missiles to deliver them; combatting international crime and The White House, drug trafficking; preserving the environment; June 26, 1998. and opening trade. We also spoke frankly about our dif- NOTE: This message was released by the Office ferences, especially concerning human of the Press Secretary on June 27. rights. Over the past year, we have seen some progress in this area, though still far from The President’s Radio Address enough. Some of China’s famous political June 27, 1998 prisoners have been released, but others still languish in prison. The Government is loos- Good morning. I’m speaking to you today ening its control over many aspects of daily from Beijing. In just 2 days, I’ve seen some life, yet people still are not completely free of the rich history and remarkable changes to meet, to publish, to speak, to worship ac- that are taking place in China, home to nearly cording to the dictates of their own hearts. one quarter of the world’s population. Throughout this trip, I will raise human China is the oldest civilization on Earth. rights and try to explain how freedom has In Xi’an, on Friday, I saw the old and the been at the heart of America’s success and new China, from magnificent Terra Cotta prosperity. I will also argue that in this global Warriors sculpted by artisans 2000 years be- information age, when economic success is fore America was founded to the beginnings built on ideas, personal freedom is necessary of democracy in a nearby village where resi- to the innovation and creativity that are es- dents soon will hold elections. sential to the greatness of any modern nation. I’ve been touched by the warm reception In dealing with China, we must stay true given to me, my family, and the Members to a course that is both principled and prag- of Congress traveling with us. Tens of thou- matic. We must continue to expand our areas sands of Chinese families have lined the of cooperation, even as we deal directly with streets to greet us. For all these people, our differences. China is changing. I see cell phones, beepers, China is important to our future, with the new office buildings. largest population on Earth, a permanent China is no longer the same country it was seat on the United Nations Security Council, when President Nixon first came here 26 an economy increasingly connected to our years ago. Never before have so many Chi- own. Without China, it will be difficult to nese had the opportunity to start businesses; face the challenges, successfully, that affect lift their families out of poverty; choose all of us. With China, we can build a safer, where to live, work, and travel; and enjoy more prosperous future for our children, a the fruits of their labors. But there’s also re- world of unlimited possibility in the new cen- sistance to change, the legacy of a history tury. that has not always been kind to the Chinese Thanks for listening. people and has left a deeply rooted fear of NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:30 p.m., instability. Beijing time, on June 26 at the Diaoyutai resi- Today in Beijing I am meeting with Chi- dence in Beijing, China, for broadcast at 10:06 na’s leaders to talk about the future of our a.m., e.d.t., on June 27. This transcript was made two countries and a relationship between us available by the Office of the Press Secretary on

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June 26 but was embargoed for release until the ing of the American people about China and broadcast. the Chinese people about America, because long after we are gone from the scene our people will have to carry on this partnership Remarks Prior to Discussions With and this friendship. President Jiang Zemin of China in Beijing NOTE: The President spoke at 9:23 a.m. in the Great Hall of the People. President Jiang spoke June 27, 1998 in Chinese, and his remarks were translated by an interpreter. A tape was not available for ver- President Jiang. First of all, I’d like to ification of the content of these remarks. welcome you, Mr. President, on the state visit to China. And I’m looking forward to an indepth exchange of views with you on The President’s News Conference a series of major issues. With President Jiang in Beijing Last fall I paid a state visit to your country June 27, 1998 at your invitation, and we made an important decision—that is, China and the United President Jiang. Ladies and gentlemen, States would work together to establish a 21st just now I’ve held official talks with President century-oriented constructive, strategic part- Clinton. The two sides have held an extensive nership. Today your visit is another major and indepth exchange of views on China-U.S. event in China-U.S. relations. relations and the major international and re- The exchange of visits between the heads gional issues. The talks were positive, con- of state of China and the United States rep- structive, and productive. resents the common desire of our two peo- The successful exchange of visits between ples and also marks a new stage of growth the two heads of state of China and the for the bilateral relations. Facts have dem- United States marks a new stage of growth onstrated that improvement in growth of for China-U.S. relations. This not only serves China-U.S. relations are the inevitable devel- the common interests of China and the opment of the history and are irresistible for United States, but also will be of important any force on Earth. I’m prepared to work significance to promoting peace, stability, together with you, Mr. President, to make and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and the your visit a complete success. world at large. President Clinton. Thank you very much, Peace and the development are the main Mr. President. As you know, this is my first themes of contemporary times. In the new trip to China, the first by an American Presi- historical conditions, the common interests dent in 9 years. It comes only 8 months after between China and the United States are in- your visit to the United States, which was creasing, not decreasing. The foundation for very successful. I believe that these two visits cooperation between the two countries is re- demonstrate our commitment and our enforcing, not weakening. progress in building the constructive, strate- Both sides believe that China and the gic partnership we talked about last October. United States, as the permanent members I know that I speak for the vast majority of the U.N. Security Council, should con- of the American people when I say that this tinue to work together to promote peace and effort to improve and strengthen our rela- security in the world and the Asia-Pacific in tionship is very welcome. I have been im- particular, to ease and eliminate all kinds of pressed by the progress we have made and tensions and to prevent the proliferation of by the open and honest relationship we have weapons of mass destruction, to strengthen developed in discussing all matters, and for the efforts in protecting the environment, that, I thank you very much. combating international crime, drug traffick- I very much hope this trip will not only ing, and international terrorism. Our two help us to expand our areas of cooperation sides have agreed to further step up coopera- and move toward reconciling our differences tion and the dialog between the two coun- but also will help to increase the understand- tries on major international issues.

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China-U.S. relations are improving and As China and the United States have dif- growing. The cooperation between the two ferent social systems, ideologies, values, and sides in many areas has made important culture traditions, we have some difference progress. President Clinton and I have de- of views on certain issues. However, they cided that China and the United States will should not become the obstacles in the way not target the strategic nuclear weapons of the growth of China-U.S. relations. The under their respective control at each other. world is a colorful one. The development This demonstrates to the entire world that parts of the countries in the world should China and the United States are partners, be chosen by the people of the countries con- not adversaries. cerned. I hereby wish to reiterate that since the China and the United States should view very first day when China came into posses- and handle the bilateral relations from a sion of nuclear weapons, China has under- long-term and strategic perspective. We taken not to be the first to use nuclear weap- should promote the growth of China-U.S. re- ons under any circumstances. lations in the spirit of mutual respect, equal- President Clinton and I have reached a ity, mutual benefit, seeking common ground broad range of agreements and consensus on while putting aside differences and develop- further increasing exchanges in cooperation ing cooperation. I believe that through the between China and the United States in all concerted efforts of both sides, we will make areas in our bilateral relations. We have constant progress in the direction of building agreed to take positive steps to promote the a constructive, strategic partnership between growth of the mutually beneficial economic China and the United States oriented to- cooperation and trade between China and wards the 21st century. the United States and to expand the ex- President Clinton. Thank you, Mr. Presi- changes and the cooperation between the dent. And I also thank the Chinese people two countries in the energy, environment, for their warm welcome to me, to my family, scientific, educational, cultural, health, legal, and to our delegation. and the military fields, and also to enhance Over the past 5 years, President Jiang and the people-to-people exchanges and friend- I have met seven times. Mr. President, your ship. leadership is helping us to transform our na- We have also agreed to enhance the con- tions’ relationship for the future. Clearly, a sultations and the cooperation between stable, open, prosperous China, shouldering China and the United States on the issues its responsibilities for a safer world is good of disarmament, arms control, and non- for America. Nothing makes that point better proliferation. And we have issued joint state- than today’s agreement not to target our nu- ments on the BWC protocol, on the question clear missiles at each other. We also agreed of the antipersonnel landmines, and on the to do more to shore up stability in Asia, on question of South Asia. the Korean Peninsula, and the Indian sub- The Taiwan question is the most important continent. and the most sensitive issue at the core of I reaffirmed our longstanding ‘‘one China’’ China-U.S. relations. We hope that the U.S. policy to President Jiang and urged the pur- side will adhere to the principles set forth suit of cross-strait discussions recently re- in the three China-U.S. joint communiques sumed as the best path to a peaceful resolu- and the joint China-U.S. statement, as well tion. In a similar vein, I urged President Jiang as the relevant commitments it has made in to assume a dialog with the Dalai Lama in the interest of a smooth growth of China- return for the recognition that Tibet is a part U.S. relations. of China and in recognition of the unique The improvement and the growth of cultural and religious heritage of that region. China-U.S. relations have not come by easily. I welcome the progress we made today in It is the result of the concerted efforts of nonproliferation, including China’s decision the Governments and people of our two to actively study joining the Missile Tech- countries. So we should all the more treasure nology Control Regime, our joint commit- this good result. ment not to provide assistance to ballistic

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missile programs in South Asia, and Presi- As I said again to President Jiang, we dent Jiang’s statement last week that China Americans also firmly believe that individual will not sell missiles to Iran. rights, including the freedom of speech, asso- We also welcome the steps China recently ciation, and religion, are very important, not has taken to tighten nuclear export controls, only to those who exercise them but also to to strengthen controls on the export of nations whose success in the 21st century de- chemicals that can be turned into weapons, pends upon widespread individual knowl- and to work jointly with us to strengthen the edge, creativity, free exchange, and enter- Biological Weapons Convention. prise. As the President said, we are also working Therefore, we welcome China’s decision together against international crime, drug to sign the International Covenant on Civil trafficking, alien smuggling, stepping up our and Political Rights, the recent release of sev- scientific cooperation, which already has pro- eral prominent political dissidents, the recent duced remarkable breakthroughs in areas in- visit China graciously accorded American re- cluding the fight against birth defects like ligious leaders, and the resumption of a spina bifida. We’re helping to eradicate polio human rights dialog between China and the and working to predict and to mitigate na- United States. tional disasters. And perhaps most important Earlier this morning, during my official over the long run, we are committed to work- welcome, I could hear and see the many ing together on clean energy to preserve our echoes of China’s past and the call of its natural environment, a matter of urgent con- promising future, for Tiananmen Square is cern to both our nations. I am also very an historical place. There, 100 years ago, Chi- pleased by our cooperation on rule of law na’s quest for constitutional government was programs, from training lawyers and judges born. There, in 1919, young people rallied to providing legal assistance to the poor. President Jiang and I agree on the impor- against foreign occupation and launched a tance of China’s entry into the World Trade powerful movement for China’s political and Organization. I regret we did not make more cultural renewal. There, in 1976, public progress on this front, and we must recommit mourning for Zhou Enlai led to the Cultural ourselves to achieving that goal on strong Revolution’s end and the beginning of your terms. We agree that we need to work to- remarkable transformation. And there, 9 gether to avoid another round of destabiliz- years ago, Chinese citizens of all ages raised ing currency devaluations in the region and their voices for democracy. to restore economic growth. For all of our agreements, we still disagree As you can see, we are working together about the meaning of what happened then. in many areas of cooperation. We have devel- I believe and the American people believe oped a relationship of openness and candor. that the use of force and the tragic loss of When we differ, as we do from time to time, life was wrong. I believe and the American we speak openly and honestly in an effort people believe that freedom of speech, asso- to understand our differences and, if pos- ciation, and religion are, as recognized by sible, to work toward a common approach U.N. Charter, the right of people everywhere to resolving them. and should be protected by their govern- It is well known that the principal area of ments. our difference in recent years has been over It was to advance these rights that our human rights questions. America recognizes Founding Fathers in our Declaration of and applauds China’s economic and social Independence pledged our lives, our for- transformation which has expanded the tunes, our sacred honor. Fifty years ago, the rights of its citizens by lifting hundreds of U.N. recognized these rights as the basic millions from poverty, providing them great- freedoms of people everywhere. er access to information, giving them village The question for us now is how shall we elections, greater freedom to travel and to deal with such disagreements and still suc- choose their own jobs, and better education ceed in the important work of deepening our for their children. friendship and our sense of mutual respect?

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First, we Americans must acknowledge the and the U.S. dollar dropped again to a low painful moments in our own history when of 143 yen against one dollar, and which was fundamental human rights were denied. We closed at 141 yen against one dollar. So, what must say that we know, still, we have to con- specific common measures are the Chinese tinue our work to advance the dignity and and the U.S. Government prepared to take freedom and equality of our own people. And to stabilize the financial situation in Asia and second, we must understand and respect the the world? enormous challenges China has faced in try- The President. Well, first of all, let me ing to move forward against great odds, with agree with you. I think that China has shown a clear memory of the setbacks suffered in great statesmanship and strength in making past periods of instability. a strong contribution to the stability not only Finally, it is important that whatever our of the Chinese people and their economy but disagreements over past action, China and the entire region, by maintaining the value the United States must go forward on the of its currency. right side of history for the future sake of The United States, as you know, has the world. The forces of history have brought worked hard to try to support the stability us to a new age of human possibility, but of the Japanese yen and to help growth re- our dreams can only be recognized by na- sume in Japan. I think that what we have tions whose citizens are both responsible and agreed to do is to continue to do whatever free. we can to promote stability and to support Mr. President, that is the future America policies within Japan that will restore con- seeks to build with China, in partnership and fidence in the economy, get investment going honest friendship. again, and get growth going. Tomorrow, Hillary and I will visit the The key here, I believe, is for the plans Great Wall. The wall’s builders knew they to reform the financial institutions in Japan were building a permanent monument, even and take other steps that will get growth if they were unable to see it finished in their going and get investments going in Japan to lifetimes. Likewise, we know we are building be made. I think that, ultimately, President a friendship that will serve our descendants Jiang and I would give anything to be able well, even if we, ourselves, will not see its to just wave a wand and have all of this go full development across the next century and away. We are not the only actors in this into the new millennium. Our friendship may drama, and a lot of this must be done by never be perfect; no friendship is. But I hope the Japanese Government and the Japanese it will last forever. people. We can be supportive, but they have President Jiang. Now President Clinton to make the right decisions. and I are prepared to answer your questions, and now I’d like to give the first question Human Rights to President Clinton. Q. My question to President Jiang and also President Clinton. Which—Chinese to President Clinton is, we know that there journalists, one of you? In the back there, were four dissidents in Xi’an who were ar- yes? Yes, ma’am, go ahead. rested earlier and three were released, and one of them is still under detainment. And Asian Financial Situation I would like to know if you talked about the Q. Thank you. I’m a correspondent with issue. And what about the rest 2,000 dis- the Phoenix TV of Hong Kong. In the recent sidents who are being reported still under Asian financial crisis, the Chinese Govern- imprisonment right now in China? Can both ment has pledged to maintain the value of of you elaborate on that? Thank you. RMB Asian currency and, thus, making posi- President Jiang. In our talks just now, tive contribution to stabilizing the situation President Clinton raised this issue. We adopt in Asia. And this has attracted positive reac- an attitude of extending very warm welcome tion from the international community and to the visit to China by President Clinton. from the U.S. Government. However, yester- As for the matter you raised, I think you’re day, the exchange rate between Japanese yen referring to the incident in Xi’an, and I think

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in China there is no question that there is I’m sorry I’ve taken up too much of the no restriction whatsoever on the coverage time, and I now invite President Clinton to and interview by the reporters and the cor- say a few words. respondents within the scope of law. But as President Clinton. Well, we did discuss for some activities that have been detrimen- the questions you raised. And of course, I tal or have prejudiced the security, then the made my views known about the recent de- local authorities should take measures to deal tentions yesterday. On the larger question with them, and it is also understandable. you raised, I actually made a couple of spe- As for the question you raised, actually, cific and practical suggestions about how we I do not have very detailed information in might take our dialog further there. this regard. But as for the latter part of your There are some people who are incarcer- question concerning 2,000 dissidents, I think ated now for offensives no longer on the in China we have our laws. And in China’s books in China, reflecting real progress in constitution, it is clearly stipulated that the present Chinese practice and the Chinese, Chinese citizens have the freedom of speech, in my view; we should acknowledge that. But but any law-breaking activities must be dealt the question then arises is there some way with according to law. I think this is true in that these people might be released? Is there any country of rule of law. And I think Chi- some procedure through which we could na’s judicial departments will deal with the move? There are some people imprisoned matter according to law. for nonviolent activities in June of ’89. Is I want to ask that I believe that the vast there something that could be done there? majority of the correspondents and the re- There are some other practical things we porters are willing to promote the friendship discussed, which I think it would be pre- between China and the United States mature to ask the Chinese Government to through President Clinton’s visit to China make a statement on now because we just this time. However, before President Clin- have had these discussions. But I want to say ton’s visit, I read some reports from some to all of you that the atmosphere—whatever media and newspapers saying—alleging your position on these issues is, and particu- China had been involved in so-called political larly if you agree with me, I think you should contributions in the United States. I really at least appreciate the fact that we now have think it very absurd and ridiculous, and I an atmosphere in which it is possible for us think they are sheer fabrications. China can to be open and honest and in great detail never do such a thing and China never inter- about this and that there are legitimate and feres in other country’s internal affairs. honest differences in the way we look at this. Actually, at the talks this morning, Presi- But I believe that we are making progress, dent Clinton also asked me of this question. and I believe that we will make more. And I told him that after hearing of such I remember the things that I specified in an allegation, we conducted very earnest in- my statement about that. You can see that vestigation into the matter. And the results neither one of us are shy about being strong of the investigation shows that there was about how we believe about this. And I think never such a thing. that we have them in the public debate now, we have them in the private discussions, and Recently, in my meetings with many for- we just have to keep pushing forward in try- eign visitors and visiting leaders of other ing to work through it. countries, I often said to them that as coun- tries in the world have different social sys- tems and values, it is something that should Nuclear Detargeting Agreement be allowed that they may have different un- Q. President Jiang spoke of China’s posi- derstandings about one fact. And this actu- tion against the first use of nuclear weapons ally, itself, is a representation and the mani- and the policy of the United States does not festation of democracy. agree with. Was this discussed in the context However, what is important is that the fact of negotiations on the detargeting agree- itself should not be distorted. ment? And where are any U.S. concessions

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in order to obtain the detargeting agree- More than 2,000 years ago, a great thinker ment? of China’s Han Dynasty, Dong Zhongshu, President Clinton. Well, the short answer once said, ‘‘Of all the living things nurtured to your question and the accurate one is, no, between heaven and the Earth, the most val- but I don’t want it to be a misleading answer. uable is human beings.’’ So the Chinese na- That is, you well understand that our position tion always respects and maintains the dig- on that issue is a product of decades of expe- nity and rights of the people. Today the Chi- rience in a former time. We have not nese Government solemnly commits itself to changed our position, nor are we prepared the promotion and the protection of human to do so on that. rights and fundamental freedoms. But this was a mutual decision we made The United States is the most developed because we both felt that, number one, if country in the world, with a per capita GDP we detargeted, we would completely elimi- approaching 30,000 U.S. dollars, while China nate the prospect ever of any kind of acciden- is a developing country with a population of tal launch, and number two, we would take 1.2 billion, with a per capita GDP of less than one more step in showing mutual confidence 700 U.S. dollars. As the two countries differ and trust in one another, and number three, in social system, ideology, historical tradition, it would be a helpful signal as a counter- and cultural background, the two countries weight to the recent nuclear tests in India have different means and ways in realizing and Pakistan. And so we agreed that it was human rights and fundamental freedoms. So in both our interests to do this on its own it’s nothing strange that we may have some terms. difference of views over some issues. President Jiang. I would like to make a China stresses that the top priority should brief explanation. As I stated just now, Presi- be given to the right to subsistence and the dent Clinton and I decided that China and the United States would not target the strate- right to development. Meanwhile, efforts gic nuclear weapons under their respective should be made to strengthen democracy and control at each other. Full stop—that’s a full the legal system building, and to protect the stop. And then this demonstrates to the en- economic, social, cultural, civil, and the polit- tire world that China and the United States ical rights of the people. are partners, not adversaries. Full stop again. I listened very carefully to what President [Laughter] And then I said, I hereby reit- Clinton said just now, and I noticed that he erate, that since the very first day that China made mention of the political disturbances came into possession of nuclear weapons, happened in Tiananmen in 1989, and he also China has undertaken not to be the first to told the history of Tiananmen and told of use nuclear weapons under any cir- the things that happened in Tiananmen. cumstances. Full stop. That’s my view. That’s With regard to the political disturbances our view. in 1989, the Chinese people have long drawn a historical conclusion. During my visit to the Human Rights United States last year and also on many Q. My question is to President Jiang. At international occasions, I have stated our po- his opening statement, President Clinton ex- sition that with regard to the political disturb- pressed appreciation of the achievements ances in 1989, had the Chinese Government made by the Chinese Government in re- not taken the resolute measures, then we specting human rights. At the same time, he could not have enjoyed the stability that we also said that China and the United States are enjoying today. also had difference of views over this matter. China is a socialist country in which its So my question is, what is the position of people are masters of the nation. The Chi- the Chinese Government on the human nese people can elect their own representa- rights issue? tives to the people’s congresses through di- President Jiang. China and the United rect or indirect means, and they can fully ex- States have differences of views and also have press their views and exercise their political common ground on the human rights issue. rights. In the two decades since the reform

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and opening up program was started, the Na- that the Chinese people will get the best pos- tional People’s Congress of China has adopt- sible result. I believe stability in the 21st cen- ed more than 320 laws and acts, thus, con- tury will require high levels of freedom. stantly strengthening the legal protection of President Jiang. I’m sorry, I have to take the democracy, fundamental freedoms, and up an additional 5 minutes. [Laughter] So the various rights enjoyed by the Chinese I’d like to say a few words on Dalai Lama. people. Over the past two decades, another President Clinton is also interested in this 200 million people in China were lifted out question, in Dalai Lama. Actually, since the of poverty. Dalai Lama left in 1959, earth-shaking No country’s human rights situation is per- changes have taken place in Tibet. fect. Since the founding of new China, the First, the system of bureaucracy has for- fundamental changes and the tremendous ever become bygones, though it is unfortu- achievements that have been achieved, that nate that the disappearance of this bureauc- have been scored in the human rights condi- racy was much later than the demise of bu- tions in China are for all to see. I’d like to know whether President Clinton will have reaucracy in Europe before Renaissance. anything more to add. And the more than one million serfs under President Clinton. I would like to add the rule of the Dalai Lama were liberated. a comment. First of all, I think this debate In 1990 when I was in Tibet, I went to visit and discussion today has been a healthy thing the liberated serfs. And now the system of and a good thing. Secondly, I think to under- national autonomy is in practice in Tibet, and stand the priority that each country attaches the people there, they have their Tibetan au- to its own interpretation of this issue of tonomous region government. human rights, you have to understand some- Since I came to work in the central govern- thing of our history. ment, I have urged the rest of the 29 prov- The Chinese who are here understand bet- inces, municipalities, and autonomous re- ter than I the price paid over time at various gions to assist Tibet in its development, even moments in history for disruption and up- including those provinces that are not very heaval in China, so there is an understand- developed, such as Qinghai Province. So alto- able desire to have stability in the country. gether, nearly 8 billion RMB-yuan financial Every country wants stability. resources were raised and already 62 projects Our country was founded by people who have been completed in Tibet. felt they were abused by royal powers, by As for the freedom of religious belief, people in power, and they wanted to protect there is fierce stipulations in our constitution their personal liberties by putting limits on for the protection of religious belief, and this government. And they understood—they un- also includes in Tibet. And we have also derstood clearly, that any system—because spent a lot of money in renovating the lamasis human beings are imperfect, any system can and temples in Tibet. And we have spent 100 be abused. million RMB-yuan and one ton of gold in So the question for all societies going for- renovating the Budala Palace. ward into the 21st century is, which is the better gamble? If you have a lot of personal Just now President Clinton also mentioned freedom, some people may abuse it. But if the Tibetan issue and the dialog with the you are so afraid of personal freedom be- Dalai Lama. Actually, as long as the Dalai cause of the abuse that you limit people’s Lama can publicly make the statement and freedom too much, then you pay, I believe, a commitment that Tibet is an inalienable an even greater price in a world where the part of China and he must also recognize Tai- whole economy is based on ideas and infor- wan as a province of China, then the door mation and exchange and debate and chil- to dialog and negotiation is open. Actually, dren everywhere dreaming dreams and feel- we are having several channels of commu- ing they can live their dreams out. nications with the Dalai Lama. So I hope the So I am trying to have a dialog here that Dalai Lama will make positive response in will enable both of us to move forward so this regard.

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Finally, I want to emphasize that according to fully practice their religious beliefs and to China’s constitution, the freedom of reli- that if he, in good faith, presents himself on gious belief in Tibet and also throughout those terms, it is a legitimate thing for China China is protected. But as the President of to engage him in dialog. the People’s Republic of China and as a com- And let me say something that will perhaps munist member, a member of the communist be unpopular with everyone. I have spent party, I myself am an atheist. But this will time with the Dalai Lama. I believe him to by no means affect my respect for the reli- be an honest man, and I believe if he had gious freedom in Tibet. a conversation with President Jiang, they But still, I have a question. That is, during would like each other very much. [Laughter] my visit to the United States last year and also during my previous visits to other Euro- pean countries, I found that although the NOTE: The President’s 161st news conference began at 12:05 p.m. in the Western Hall of the education in science and technology have de- Great Hall of the People. President Jiang spoke veloped to a very high level, and people are in Chinese, and his remarks were translated by now enjoying modern civilization, but still an interpreter. A portion of this news conference quite a number of them have a belief in could not be verified because the tape was incom- Lamaism. So this is a question that I’m still plete. studying and still looking into. I want to find out the reason why. I think President Clinton is a strong de- Joint Statement on Anti-Personnel fender of the American interests, and I am Landmines a strong defender of the Chinese interests. But despite that, we still can have very June 27, 1998 friendly exchanges of views and discussions. And I think that is democracy. And I want The United States and China reaffirm to stress that, actually, there are a lot of areas their commitment to ending the humani- in which we can learn from each other. tarian crisis caused by the indiscriminate use If you agree, we will finish this. [Laughter] of anti-personnel landmines (APL). They President Clinton. I agree, but I have— both maintain that efforts to eliminate the you have to let me say one thing about the APL threat to civilians should be pursued Dalai Lama. [Laughter] consistent with national security require- First, I agree that Tibet is a part of China, ments. an autonomous region of China. And I can The United States and China recognize understand why the acknowledgement of the importance of the Amended Protocol II that would be a precondition of dialog with to the Convention on Conventional Weapons the Dalai Lama. But I also believe that there in addressing humanitarian concerns result- are many, many Tibetans who still revere the ing from the indiscriminate use of landmines. Dalai Lama and view him as their spiritual They agree to work toward the early ratifica- leader. tion of the Amended Protocol and urge oth- President Jiang pointed out that he has a ers to ratify it as well. few followers of Tibetan Buddhism, even in The United States and China agree to ac- the United States and Europe. But most of tively pursue at the Conference on Disar- his followers have not given up their own reli- mament the commencement of negotiations gious faith. He has followers who are Chris- on an anti-personnel landmines transfer/ex- tians—supporters, excuse me, not followers, port ban by supporting the prompt establish- supporters—who are Christians, who are ment of an Ad Hoc Committee. Jews, who are Muslims, who believe in the The United States and China commit to unity of God, and who believe he is a holy accelerate global humanitarian demining op- man. erations with the objective of eliminating the But for us, the question is not fundamen- threat of anti-personnel landmines to civil- tally religious; it is political. That is, we be- ians as soon as possible. The United States lieve that other people should have the right and China reaffirm their commitments to

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furnish demining assistance, which could in- light of relevant national laws and regula- clude mine awareness, training in mine clear- tions. The two sides express their desire to ance, and technology for detection and clear- cooperate in the negotiations and work to- ance, through appropriate channels to af- gether to further accelerate an early conclu- fected countries with the objective of pro- sion of the negotiations on the protocol. moting their indigenous capacity for humani- The United States and China agree that tarian demining. they shall strive to enhance bilateral coopera- tion and exchanges in the field of bio-tech- NOTE: The joint statement was made available by nology and vigorously engage in and promote the Office of the Press Secretary but was not the peaceful use of biological technology. issued as a White House press release. NOTE: The joint statement was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary but was not Joint Statement on the Biological issued as a White House press release. Weapons Convention June 27, 1998 Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by Recognizing the threat posed by biological President Jiang in Beijing and toxin weapons, the United States and June 27, 1998 China reaffirm their strong support for the complete global elimination of biological President Jiang, Madame Wang, members weapons. As States Parties to the Biological of the Chinese Government, fellow guests; Weapons Convention, the two sides stress I am honored to be here representing the the importance of the Convention to inter- people of the United States in the Great Hall national peace and security, fully support the of the People which reflects the impressive purposes and objectives of the Convention, progress of the Chinese people in the 20th and favor comprehensively strengthening the century. effectiveness and universality of the Conven- We Americans first saw it on our tele- tion. visions 26 years ago when President Nixon The United States and China each reaffirm became the first American leader to visit that they are determined to strictly abide by China. Those were the very first live pictures the provisions of the Convention, to earnestly of China ever seen in my country. Across the and comprehensively fulfill the obligations United States, Americans were filled with each has undertaken, shall not develop, great hope as relations resumed between our produce or stockpile biological weapons two great nations. under any circumstances and shall oppose That visit changed history. It reminded us the proliferation of biological weapons and of the warmth each nation felt for the other, their technology and equipment. long before the cold war. It recalled our alli- Both the United States and China support ance in World War II and our long history efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of the of commercial relations dating back to the Convention, including the establishment of infancy of the United States. We were trad- a practical and effective compliance mecha- ing together before our Constitution was nism. In this connection, the two sides posi- written. Even the tea that our Founding Fa- tively appraise the work of the Ad Hoc Group thers threw into the Boston Harbor in 1773 set up for this purpose on negotiating a pro- to protest British taxes was from China. tocol to the Convention. The two sides be- For most of our history we have looked lieve the protocol must include efficient, upon China as a distant friend across the sea. practical and cost effective measures to deter As the Bamboo Curtain opened, Americans proliferation or violation of the Convention and Chinese learned about each other all and improve transparency. Appropriate over again. Starting with pandas and ping- measures should be formulated and imple- pong players, we have built a broad and mented in a manner that takes into account friendly relationship. protection of sensitive commercial informa- Today China and the United States co- tion and legitimate security needs, and in operate across a wide range of enterprises,

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in business, in the arts, in the academic giant strides for our people, our nations, and world, and in the personal friendship that the world. unites Chinese and Americans. More than I ask you now to please join me in a toast one million Americans trace their roots to to the President and the First Lady of the China. Every day, Chinese Americans build People’s Republic of China and to the friend- a better America, as entrepreneurs and archi- ship joining our two peoples and the future tects, artists and public servants. And we we will build together. Gan bei. form lifelong bonds with the thousands of Chinese students who study with us every NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 9:30 year, teaching us their culture as they learn p.m. in the Banquet Hall of the Great Hall of from ours. the People. In his remarks, he referred to Presi- Americans are proud that many of China’s dent Jiang Zemin of China and his wife, Wang leaders spent time in the United States. Dr. Yeping. Sun Yat-sen visited six times between 1896 and 1911, and he was in Denver when he learned he would become China’s new lead- Remarks at Chongwenmen Church er. The great teacher, Hu Shi, was a student in Beijing in New York when he pioneered a new sys- tem of expressing vernacular Chinese, an June 28, 1998 idea that changed China forever. I look for- ward to seeing Beijing University during its Thank you, Reverend Wu, Reverend Siu, centennial year, a monument to Hu Shi and Reverend Yin. Ladies and gentlemen, thank so many other friends of America. you for making me and my family and our As two great nations, the world looks to party of Americans feel so welcome in your us to set a good example. In the last few church today. We are a long way from home, months, we have seen how much we can and but we felt very much at home with you here must do together, in our strong response to in this church. the crisis in India and Pakistan, our efforts We celebrate with you the growth of the for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, practice of our faith in China, and we rejoice our cooperation to stem the flow of dan- to hear Reverend Siu cite the numbers of gerous weapons around the world. In so churches and other places of worship where many different ways, we are upholding the people are practicing their faith today. teachings of Mencius, who said: ‘‘A good citi- The sermon today was on the unity of the zen in one community will befriend the other church and our unity with God in the church. citizens of the community; a good citizen of I would like to add only one point: I believe the world will befriend the other citizens of our faith calls upon us to seek unity with peo- the world.’’ ple across the world of different races and Mr. President, the American people ad- backgrounds and creeds. In the Book of Acts, mire the great strides China has taken. Your the 26th verse, it is said that God has made people are leading lives inconceivable just a from one blood every nation to dwell on the generation ago. Your phenomenal growth surface of the Earth. I believe that is true. over 20 years has opened new worlds of pos- Therefore, I believe that Chinese and Ameri- sibility, for jobs, for more schools, for greater cans are brothers and sisters as children of mobility, for instant access to the outside God. We come here in that spirit today, world. We Americans appreciate the mutual grateful for your welcome. respect of our relationship, a relationship based on cooperation, candor, and recogni- NOTE: The President spoke at 10:31 a.m. In his tion of each nation’s values and traditions. remarks, he referred to Rev. Wu Wei and Rev. An ancient Chinese proverb tells us: ‘‘Be Siu Zeshing, principal ministers, and Rev. Yin not afraid of growing slowly; be only afraid Hongtao, minister trainee, Chongwenmen of standing still.’’ Let us commit to keep mov- Church. A tape was not available for verification ing forward together, turning small steps into of the content of these remarks.

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Exchange With Reporters at the NOTE: The exchange began at 2:45 p.m. A tape Great Wall in Mutianyu, China was not available for verification of the content of this exchange. June 28, 1998

Visit to the Great Wall Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Q. What are your impressions of the wall, Session With Students at Beijing Mr. President? University in Beijing, China The President. Quite unbelievable. It’s June 29, 1998 amazing to imagine that it was done so long ago. They’ve even had bricks here for 400 The President. Thank you. Thank you, and some odd years. President Chen, Chairman Ren, Vice Presi- Q. Do you see any analogies, sir, to the dent Chi, Vice Minister Wei. We are de- way China is now and the way it was then? lighted to be here today with a very large The President. No. [Laughter] I said yes- American delegation, including the First terday that I felt—I believe this wall now is Lady and our daughter, who is a student at a symbol that China shows to the rest of the Stanford, one of the schools with which Bei- world, not a wall to keep people out. It sort jing University has a relationship. We have of unifies the country for over 7,000 kilo- six Members of the United States Congress; meters. the Secretary of State; Secretary of Com- merce; the Secretary of Agriculture; the Visit to Chongwenmen Church Chairman of our Council of Economic Advis- ers; Senator Sasser, our Ambassador; the Na- Q. Mr. President, could you tell us what tional Security Adviser; and my Chief of the woman in the church wanted to talk to Staff, among others. I say that to illustrate you about today? the importance that the United States places The President. She just kept saying how on our relationship with China. happy she was I was in the church and how I would like to begin by congratulating all she wished I could come to the little village of you, the students, the faculty, the adminis- where she was from. She was very emotional. trators, on celebrating the centennial year of But as nearly as I can tell, there was nothing your university. Gongxi, ‘‘Beida’’. specific that she was saying. She kept thank- As I’m sure all of you know, this campus ing me for being there and saying that she was once home to Yenching University which was glad I was there, and she wished I could was founded by American missionaries. come to her village, her home village. Many of its wonderful buildings were de- signed by an American architect. Thousands Visit to the Great Wall of American students and professors have Q. What do you think, Mrs. Clinton? What come here to study and teach. We feel a spe- are your impressions? cial kinship with you. Mrs. Clinton. Magnificent. I am, however, grateful that this day is dif- The President. You know, the part—the ferent in one important respect from another steep incline you see up there, we were told, important occasion 79 years ago. In June of is the steepest part of the wall. So if we had 1919, the first president of Yenching Univer- a couple of hours, we could walk 10 kilo- sity, John Leighton Stuart, was set to deliver meters, and we’d hit the biggest incline, and the very first commencement address on we’d all be in very good shape when we fin- these very grounds. At the appointed hour, ished. Or we’d be finished. [Laughter] he appeared, but no students appeared. They Q. Was it a good workout anyway? were all out leading the May 4th Movement The President. It was a good workout. It for China’s political and cultural renewal. was great. When I read this, I hoped that when I walked Nice cap, Peter [Peter Maer, NBC Mutual into the auditorium today, someone would Radio]. be sitting here. And I thank you for being Q. Thank you, sir. here, very much.

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Over the last 100 years, this university has Of course, these changes have also brought grown to more than 20,000 students. Your disruptions in settled patterns of life and graduates are spread throughout China and work and have imposed enormous strains on around the world. You have built the largest your environment. Once every urban Chi- university library in all of Asia. Last year 20 nese was guaranteed employment in a state percent of your graduates went abroad to enterprise. Now you must compete in a job study, including half of your math and market. Once a Chinese worker had only to science majors. And in this anniversary year, meet the demands of a central planner in more than a million people in China, Asia, Beijing. Now the global economy means all and beyond have logged on to your Web site. must match the quality and creativity of the At the dawn of a new century, this university rest of the world. For those who lack the is leading China into the future. right training and skills and support, this new I come here today to talk to you, the next world can be daunting. generation of China’s leaders, about the criti- In the short term, good, hardworking peo- cal importance to your future of building a ple—some, at least, will find themselves un- strong partnership between China and the employed. And as all of you can see, there United States. have been enormous environmental and eco- The American people deeply admire nomic and health care costs to the develop- China for its thousands of years of contribu- ment pattern and the energy use pattern of tions to culture and religion, to philosophy the last 20 years, from air pollution to defor- estation to acid rain and water shortage. and the arts, to science and technology. We In the face of these challenges, new sys- remember well our strong partnership in tems of training and social security will have World War II. Now we see China at a mo- to be devised, and new environmental poli- ment in history when your glorious past is cies and technologies will have to be intro- matched by your present sweeping trans- duced with the goal of growing your economy formation and the even greater promise of while improving the environment. Every- your future. thing I know about the intelligence, the inge- Just three decades ago, China was virtually nuity, the enterprise of the Chinese people shut off from the world. Now, China is a and everything I have heard these last few member of more than 1,000 international or- days in my discussions with President Jiang, ganizations, enterprises that affect everything Prime Minister Zhu, and others give me con- from air travel to agricultural development. fidence that you will succeed. You have opened your nation to trade and As you build a new China, America wants investment on a large scale. Today, 40,000 to build a new relationship with you. We young Chinese study in the United States, want China to be successful, secure, and with hundreds of thousands more learning open, working with us for a more peaceful in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. and prosperous world. I know there are those Your social and economic transformation in China and the United States who question has been even more remarkable, moving whether closer relations between our coun- from a closed command economic system to tries is a good thing. But everything all of a driving, increasingly market-based and us know about the way the world is changing driven economy, generating two decades of and the challenges your generation will face unprecedented growth, giving people greater tell us that our two nations will be far better freedom to travel within and outside China, off working together than apart. to vote in village elections, to own a home, The late Deng Xiaoping counseled us to choose a job, attend a better school. As a seek truth from facts. At the dawn of the result, you have lifted literally hundreds of new century, the facts are clear. The distance millions of people from poverty. Per capita between our two nations, indeed between income has more than doubled in the last any nations, is shrinking. Where once an decade. Most Chinese people are leading American clipper ship took months to cross lives they could not have imagined just 20 from China to the United States, today, tech- years ago. nology has made us all virtual neighbors.

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From laptops to lasers, from microchips to tion and despair that drugs can bring to megabytes, an information revolution is light- schools and neighborhoods. With borders on ing the landscape of human knowledge, more than a dozen countries, China has be- bringing us all closer together. Ideas, infor- come a crossroad for smugglers of all kinds. mation, and money cross the planet at the Last year, President Jiang and I asked sen- stroke of a computer key, bringing with them ior Chinese and American law enforcement extraordinary opportunities to create wealth, officials to step up our cooperation against to prevent and conquer disease, to foster these predators, to stop money from being greater understanding among peoples of dif- laundered, to stop aliens from being cruelly ferent histories and different cultures. smuggled, to stop currencies from being un- But we also know that this greater open- dermined by counterfeiting. Just this month, ness and faster change mean that problems our Drug Enforcement Agency opened an which start beyond one nation’s borders can office in Beijing, and soon Chinese counter- quickly move inside them: the spread of narcotics experts will be working out of weapons of mass destruction; the threats of Washington. organized crime and drug trafficking, of envi- In the 21st century, your generation must ronmental degradation, and severe economic make it your mission to ensure that today’s dislocation. No nation can isolate itself from progress does not come at tomorrow’s ex- these problems, and no nation can solve pense. China’s remarkable growth in the last them alone. We, especially the younger gen- two decades has come with a toxic cost, pol- erations of China and the United States, must lutants that foul the water you drink and the make common cause of our common chal- air you breathe. The cost is not only environ- lenges, so that we can, together, shape a new mental; it is also serious in terms of the century of brilliant possibilities. health consequences of your people and in In the 21st century—your century—China and the United States will face the challenge terms of the drag on economic growth. of security in Asia. On the Korean Peninsula, Environmental problems are also increas- where once we were adversaries, today, we ingly global as well as national. For example, are working together for a permanent peace in the near future, if present energy use pat- and a future freer of nuclear weapons. terns persist, China will overtake the United On the Indian subcontinent, just as most States as the world’s largest emitter of green- of the rest of the world is moving away from house gases, the gases which are the principal nuclear danger, India and Pakistan risk cause of global warming. If the nations of sparking a new arms race. We are now pursu- the world do not reduce the gases which are ing a common strategy to move India and causing global warming, sometime in the Pakistan away from further testing and to- next century there is a serious risk of dra- ward a dialog to resolve their differences. matic changes in climate which will change In the 21st century, your generation must the way we live and the way we work, which face the challenge of stopping the spread of could literally bury some island nations under deadlier nuclear, chemical, and biological mountains of water and undermine the eco- weapons. In the wrong hands or the wrong nomic and social fabric of nations. places, these weapons can threaten the peace We must work together. We Americans of nations large and small. Increasingly, know from our own experience that it is pos- China and the United States agree on the sible to grow an economy while improving importance of stopping proliferation. That is the environment. We must do that together why we are beginning to act in concert to for ourselves and for the world. Building on control the world’s most dangerous weapons. the work that our Vice President, Al Gore, In the 21st century, your generation will has done previously with the Chinese Gov- have to reverse the international tide of ernment, President Jiang and I are working crime and drugs. Around the world, orga- together on ways to bring American clean en- nized crime robs people of billions of dollars ergy technology to help improve air quality every year and undermines trust in govern- and grow the Chinese economy at the same ment. America knows all about the devasta- time.

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But I will say this again—this is not on now enjoy blossoms into a fuller partnership my remarks—your generation must do more in the new century. about this. This is a huge challenge for you, If that is to happen, it is very important for the American people, and for the future that we understand each other better, that of the world. And it must be addressed at we understand both our common interest the university level, because political leaders and our shared aspirations and our honest will never be willing to adopt environmental differences. I believe the kind of open, direct measures if they believe it will lead to large- exchange that President Jiang and I had on scale unemployment or more poverty. The Saturday at our press conference, which I evidence is clear; that does not have to hap- know many of you watched on television, can pen. You will actually have more rapid eco- both clarify and narrow our differences, and nomic growth and better paying jobs, leading more important, by allowing people to un- to higher levels of education and technology derstand and debate and discuss these things, if we do this in the proper way. But you and can give a greater sense of confidence to our the university, communities in China, the people that we can make a better future. United States, and throughout the world will From the windows of the White House, have to lead the way. where I live in Washington, DC, the monu- In the 21st century, your generation must ment to our first President, George Washing- also lead the challenge of an international fi- ton, dominates the skyline. It is a very tall nancial system that has no respect for na- obelisk. But very near this large monument tional borders. When stock markets fall in there is a small stone which contains these Hong Kong or Jakarta, the effects are no words: ‘‘The United States neither estab- longer local; they are global. The vibrant lished titles of nobility and royalty, nor cre- growth of your own economy is tied closely, ated a hereditary system. State affairs are put therefore, to the restoration of stability and growth in the Asia-Pacific region. to the vote of public opinion.’’ China has steadfastly shouldered its re- This created a new political situation, un- sponsibilities to the region and the world in precedented from ancient times to the this latest financial crisis, helping to prevent present. How wonderful it is. Those words another cycle of dangerous devaluations. We were not written by an American. They were must continue to work together to counter written by Xu Jiyu, Governor of Fujian Prov- this threat to the global financial system and ince, inscribed as a gift from the Government to the growth and prosperity which should of China to our Nation in 1853. be embracing all of this region. I am very grateful for that gift from China. In the 21st century, your generation will It goes to the heart of who we are as a people, have a remarkable opportunity to bring to- the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of gether the talents of our scientists, doctors, happiness, the freedom to debate, to dissent, engineers into a shared quest for progress. to associate, to worship without interference Already the breakthroughs we have achieved from the state. These are the ideals that were in our areas of joint cooperation—in chal- at the core of our founding over 220 years lenges from dealing with spina bifida to deal- ago. These are the ideas that led us across ing with extreme weather conditions and our continent and onto the world stage. earthquakes—have proved what we can do These are the ideals that Americans cherish together to change the lives of millions of today. people in China and the United States and As I said in my press conference with around the world. Expanding our coopera- President Jiang, we have an ongoing quest tion in science and technology can be one ourselves to live up to those ideals. The peo- of our greatest gifts to the future. ple who framed our Constitution understood In each of these vital areas that I have that we would never achieve perfection. They mentioned, we can clearly accomplish so said that the mission of America would al- much more by walking together rather than ways be ‘‘to form a more perfect Union,’’— standing apart. That is why we should work in other words, that we would never be per- to see that the productive relationship we fect, but we had to keep trying to do better.

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The darkest moments in our history have have more choices of jobs and the ability to come when we abandoned the effort to do travel, the ability to make a better life. But better, when we denied freedom to our peo- true freedom includes more than economic ple because of their race or their religion, freedom. In America, we believe it is a con- because there were new immigrants or be- cept which is indivisible. cause they held unpopular opinions. The best Over the past 4 days, I have seen freedom moments in our history have come when we in many manifestations in China. I have seen protected the freedom of people who held the fresh shoots of democracy growing in the unpopular opinion or extended rights en- villages of your heartland. I have visited a joyed by the many to the few who had pre- village that chose its own leaders in free elec- viously been denied them, making, therefore, tions. I have also seen the cell phones, the the promises of our Declaration of Inde- video players, the fax machines carrying pendence and Constitution more than faded ideas, information, and images from all over words on old parchment. the world. I’ve heard people speak their Today, we do not seek to impose our vision minds, and I have joined people in prayer on others, but we are convinced that certain in the faith of my own choosing. In all these rights are universal, not American rights or ways, I felt a steady breeze of freedom. European rights or rights for developed na- The question is, where do we go from tions but the birthrights of people every- here? How do we work together to be on where, now enshrined in the United Nations the right side of history together? More than Declaration on Human Rights, the right to 50 years ago, Hu Shi, one of your great politi- be treated with dignity, the right to express cal thinkers and a teacher at this university, one’s opinions, to choose one’s own leaders, said these words: ‘‘Now some people say to to associate freely with others, and to worship me you must sacrifice your individual free- or not, freely, however one chooses. In the last letter of his life, the author of dom so that the nation may be free. But I our Declaration of Independence and our reply, the struggle for individual freedom is third President, Thomas Jefferson, said then the struggle for the nation’s freedom. The that ‘‘all eyes are opening to the rights of struggle for your own character is the strug- man.’’ I believe that in this time, at long last, gle for the nation’s character.’’ We Americans 172 years after Jefferson wrote those words, believe Hu Shi was right. We believe and all eyes are opening to the rights of men and our experience demonstrates that freedom women everywhere. strengthens stability and helps nations to Over the past two decades, a rising tide change. of freedom has lifted the lives of millions One of our Founding Fathers, Benjamin around the world, sweeping away failed dic- Franklin, once said, ‘‘Our critics are our tatorial systems in the former Soviet Union, friends, for they show us our faults.’’ Now, throughout Central Europe, ending a vicious if that is true, there are many days in the cycle of military coups and civil wars in Latin United States when the President has more America, giving more people in Africa the friends than anyone else in America. [Laugh- chance to make the most of their hard-won ter] But it is so. independence. And from the Philippines to In the world we live in, this global informa- South Korea, from Thailand to Mongolia, tion age, constant improvement and change freedom has reached Asia’s shores, powering is necessary to economic opportunity and to a surge of growth and productivity. national strength. Therefore, the freest pos- Economic security also can be an essential sible flow of information, ideas, and opinions element of freedom. It is recognized in the and a greater respect for divergent political United Nations Covenant on Economic, So- and religious convictions will actually breed cial, and Cultural Rights. In China, you have strength and stability going forward. made extraordinary strides in nurturing that It is, therefore, profoundly in your interest, liberty and spreading freedom from want, to and the world’s, that young Chinese minds be a source of strength to your people. In- be free to reach the fullness of their poten- comes are up, poverty is down; people do tial. That is the message of our time and the

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mandate of the new century and the new mil- ies, describing the Cultural Revolution or the lennium. rural life. I hope China will more fully embrace this So my question is, as the first President mandate. For all the grandeur of your his- of the United States visiting China in 10 tory, I believe your greatest days are still years, what do you plan to do to enhance ahead. Against great odds in the 20th cen- the real understanding and the respect be- tury, China has not only survived, it is moving tween our two peoples? forward dramatically. Thank you. Other ancient cultures failed because they The President. First of all, I think that’s failed to change. China has constantly proven a very good point. And one of the reasons the capacity to change and grow. Now, you that I came here was to try to—because, as must reimagine China again for a new cen- you can see, a few people come with me from tury, and your generation must be at the the news media—I hope that my trip would heart of China’s regeneration. help to show a full and balanced picture of The new century is upon us. All our sights modern China to the United States, and that are turned toward the future. Now, your by coming here, it would encourage others country has known more millennia than the to come here and others to participate in the United States has known centuries. Today, life of China. however, China is as young as any nation on I see a young man out in the audience Earth. This new century can be the dawn who introduced himself to me yesterday as of a new China, proud of your ancient great- the first American ever to be a law student ness, proud of what you are doing, prouder in China. So I hope we will have many more still of the tomorrows to come. It can be a Americans coming here to study, many more time when the world again looks to China Americans coming here to be tourists, many for the vigor of its culture, the freshness of more Americans coming here to do business. its thinking, the elevation of human dignity The First Lady this morning and the Sec- that is apparent in its works. It can be a time retary of State had a meeting on a legal when the oldest of nations helps to make a project. We are doing a lot of projects to- new world. gether with the Chinese to help promote the The United States wants to work with you rule of law. That should bring a lot more peo- to make that time a reality. ple here. Thank you very much. I think there is no easy answer to your question. It’s something we have to work at. We just need more people involved and more Expanding U.S. Understanding of China kinds of contacts. And I think the more we Q. Mr. President, I’m very honored to be can do that, the better. the first one to raise question. Just as you Is there another question? mentioned in your address, Chinese and American people should join hands and move Taiwan forward together. And what is most impor- Q. Mr. President, as a Chinese, I’m very tant in this process is for us to have more interested in the reunification of my mother- exchanges. land. Since 1972, progress has been made In our view, since China is opening up in on the question of Taiwan question, but we reform, we have had better understanding have seen that the Americans repeatedly are of the culture, history, and literature of selling advanced weapons to Taiwan. And to America, and we have also learned a lot about our great indignation, we have seen that the you from the biography. And we have also United States and Japan have renewed the learned about a lot of American Presidents. U.S.-Japan security treaty. And according to And we have also seen the movie Titanic. some Japanese officials, this treaty even in- But it seems that the American people’s un- cludes Taiwan Province of China. So I have derstanding of the Chinese people is not as to ask, if China were to send its naval facility much as the other way around. Maybe they to Hawaii, and if China were to sign a secu- are only seeing China through several mov- rity treaty with other countries against one

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part of the United States, will the United you will see more and more and more of that States agree to such an act? Will the Amer- in the future. And I think you will see a lot ican people agree to such an act? of security cooperation in that area. And we The President. First of all, the United can’t see the agreements of today through States policy is not an obstacle to the peace- the mirror of yesterday’s conflicts. ful reunification of China and Taiwan. Our policy is embodied in the three commu- China-U.S. Relations niques and in the Taiwan Relations Act. Our Q. Mr. President, I’ve very glad to have country recognized China and embraced a this opportunity to ask you a question. With ‘‘one China’’ policy almost 20 years ago. And a friendly smile you have set foot on the soil I reaffirmed our ‘‘one China’’ policy to Presi- of China, and you have come to the campus dent Jiang in our meetings. of ‘‘Beida’’, so we are very excited and hon- Now, when the United States and China ored by your presence, for the Chinese peo- reached agreement that we would have a ple really aspire for the friendship between ‘‘one China’’ policy, we also reached agree- China and the United States on the basis of ment that the reunification would occur by equality. As I know that—before your depar- peaceful means, and we have encouraged the ture from the States, you said that the reason cross-strait dialog to achieve that. Our policy for you to visit China is because China is too is that any weapon sales, therefore, to Taiwan important, and engagement is better than must be for defensive purposes only, and that containment. the country must not believe—China must I’d like to ask you whether this sentence not believe that we are in any way trying to is kind of a commitment you made for your undermine our own ‘‘one China’’ policy. It visit or do you have any other hidden sayings is our policy. But we do believe it should behind this smile. Do you have any other de- occur—any reunification should occur sign to contain China? [Laughter] peacefully. The President. If I did, I wouldn’t mask Now, on Japan, if you read the security it behind a smile. [Laughter] But I don’t. agreement we signed with Japan, I think it That is, my words mean exactly what they will be clear from its terms that the agree- say. We have to make a decision, all of us ment is not directed against any country but do, but especially the people who live in large rather in support of stability in Asia. We have nations with great influence must decide how forces in South Korea that are designed to to define their greatness. deter a resumption of the Korean war across When the Soviet Union went away, Russia the dividing line between the two Koreas. had to decide how to define its greatness. Our forces in Japan are largely designed to Would they attempt to develop the human help us promote stability anywhere in the capacity of the Russian people and work in Asia-Pacific region on short notice. But I be- partnership with their neighbors for a greater lieve that it is not fair to say that either Japan future, or would they remember the bad or the United States have a security relation- things that happened to them in the past 200 ship that is designed to contain China. In- years and think the only way they could be deed, what both countries want is a security great would be to dominate their neighbors partnership with China for the 21st century. militarily? They chose a forward course. The For example, you mentioned NATO, we world is a better place. have expanded NATO in Europe, but we also The same thing is true with China. You have made a treaty, an agreement between will decide, both in terms of your policies NATO and Russia, to prove that we are not within your country and beyond, what does against Russia anymore. And the most impor- it mean that China will be a great power in tant thing NATO has done in the last 5 years the 21st century? Does it mean that you will is to work side by side with Russia to end have enormous economic success? Does it the war in Bosnia. And I predict to you that mean you will have enormous cultural influ- what you see us doing with China now, work- ence? Does it mean that you will be able ing together to try to limit the tension from to play a large role in solving the problems the Indian and the Pakistani nuclear tests, of the world? Or does it mean you will be

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able to dominate your neighbors in some universities and colleges are open to every form or fashion, whether they like it or not? young person who has sufficient academic This is the decision that every great country achievement to get in, that there are no fi- has to make. nancial burdens of any kind. And we have You ask me, do I really want to contain not completely achieved it, but we have China? The answer is no. The American peo- made a great deal of progress. ple have always had a very warm feeling to- Now, why would I do that? Because I be- ward China that has been interrupted from lieve that the more advanced an economy be- time to time when we have had problems. comes, the more important it is to have a But if you go back through the history of higher and higher and higher percentage of our country, there’s always been a feeling on people with a university education. Let me the part of our people that we ought to be just tell you how important it is in the United close to the Chinese people. And I believe States. We count our people—every 10 years that it would be far better for the people we do a census and we count the numbers of the United States to have a partnership of the American people, and we get all kinds on equal, respectful terms with China in the of information on them. In the 1990 census, 21st century than to have to spend enormous younger Americans who had a college degree amounts of time and money trying to contain were overwhelmingly likely to get good jobs China because we disagree with what’s going and have their incomes grow. Younger Amer- on beyond our borders. So I do not want icans who had 2 years or more of university that. I want a partnership. I’m not hiding an- were likely to get good jobs and have their other design behind a smile; it’s what I really incomes grow. Younger Americans who believe, because I think it’s good for the didn’t go to university at all were likely to American people, and it’s my job to do what’s get jobs where their incomes declined and good for them. What’s good for them is to were much more likely to be unemployed. have a good relationship with you. And the more advanced China’s economy becomes, the more that will be true of China, Education/Aspirations for Young People the more you will need very large numbers Q. Mr. President, I’m going to graduate of people getting university education and this year, and I’m going to work in Bank of technical education. So I think it is very, very China. Just now, Mr. President, you men- important. tioned the responsibilities of the young gen- Now, let me say one expectation I have eration of the two countries for international for the younger generation of Americans and security, environment, and the financial sta- Chinese that has nothing to do with econom- bility. I think they are really important. And ics. One of the biggest threats to your future I think the most important thing is for the is a world which is dominated not by modern young people to be well educated. And I problems but by ancient hatreds. Look know, Mr. President, you love your daughter around the world, and see how much trouble very much, and she is now studying at Stan- is being caused by people who dislike each ford. So, my question is—several years ago other because of their racial or their religious you proposed the concept of knowledge or their ethnic differences, whether it’s in economy, so, my first question is, what do Bosnia or the conflict between the Indians you think the education of higher learning, and the Pakistanis or in the Middle East or what kind of role can this play in the future the tribal continents in Africa. knowledge economy? You look all over the world, you see these And the second question is, what expecta- kind of problems. Young people are more tions do you have, Mr. President, for the open to others who are different, more inter- younger generation of our two countries? ested in people who are different. And I hope The President. Let me answer the knowl- young people in China and young people in edge economy question first. And let me an- America that have a good education will be swer by telling you what I have tried to do a strong voice in the world against giving in in the United States. I have tried to create to this sort of hating people or looking down a situation in America in which the doors of on them simply because they’re different.

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Thank you. [Applause] American immigrant from Greece came up to me, and he said, ‘‘My son is 10 years old, U.S. Domestic Human Rights Issues and he studies the election in school, and Q. Mr. President, with regard to the ques- he says I should vote for you.’’ But he said, tion of democracy, human rights, and free- ‘‘If I vote for you, I want you to make my dom, actually this is an issue of great interest son free, because my son is not really free.’’ to both the Chinese and American peoples. So I asked this man, ‘‘What do you mean?’’ But to be honest, our two countries have And he said, ‘‘Well, the crime is so high in some differences over these issues. In your my neighborhood, there are so many guns address just now you made a very proud re- and gangs, that my son does not feel that view and retrospection of the history of the he—I can’t let him walk to school by himself American democracy in human rights. And or go across the street to play in the park. you have also made some suggestions for So if I vote for you, I want you to make my China. Of course, for the sincere suggestions, son free.’’ we welcome. But I think I recall one saying, I think that’s important, because, you see, that is we should have both criticism and self- in America, we tend to view freedom as the criticism. freedom from Government abuse or from So now I’d like to ask you a question. Do Government control. That is our heritage. you think that in the United States today, Our Founders came here to escape the mon- there are also some problems in the area of archy in England. But sometimes freedom democracy, freedom, and human rights, and requires affirmative steps by Government to what your Government has done in improv- give everyone an equal opportunity to have ing the situation? an education and make a decent living and The President. I do, and first of all, let to preserve a lawful environment. So I work me say, I never raise this question overseas very hard to try to bring the crime rate down in any country, not just China, without ac- in America, and it’s now lower than it has knowledging first, that our country has had been at any time in 25 years, which means terrible problems in this area—keep in mind, that more of our children are free. But the slavery was legal in America for many years— crime rate is still high; there is still too much and that we are still not perfect. I always say violence. that, because I don’t think it’s right for any So we Americans need to be sensitive not person to claim that he or she lives in a per- only to preserve the freedoms that we hold fect country. We’re all struggling toward dear but also to create an environment in ideals to live a better life. So I agree with which people can build a truly good and free the general point you made. life. Now, I will give you two examples. We That’s a good question. still have some instances of discrimination in America, in housing or employment or other Freedom areas based on race. And we have a system Q. Mr. President, you are warmly welcome set up to deal with it, but we have not totally to ‘‘Beida’’. You mentioned a sentence by Mr. eliminated it. And in the last year, I have Xu Jiyu, but our former President once said been engaging the American people in a con- that when the great moral is in practice, the versation on this subject, and we have tried morals, they will not contradict each other. to identify the things that Government And I don’t think the individual freedom and should do, the things that the American peo- the collective freedom will contradict each ple should do either through the local gov- other. But in China the prosperous develop- ernment or through other organizations, and ment of the nation is actually the free choice the attitudes that should change the minds of our people, and it’s also the result of their and hearts of the American people. So that’s efforts. So I think that freedom, real free- one example. dom, should mean for the people to freely Now, let me give you another example. We choose the way of life they like and also to have—when I ran for President in 1992, I develop. And I also think that only those who was in a hotel in New York City, and an can really respect the freedom of others can

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really say that they understand what freedom annual deficit in spending—we got that means. under control. We’re about to have the first I don’t know whether you agree with me balanced budget in 30 years. That drove in- or not. terest rates down and freed up a lot of money The President. First of all, if you believe to be invested in creating jobs in the private in freedom, you have to respect the freedom sector. Then the second thing we did was of others to make another choice. And even to expand trade a lot, so we began to sell societies that have rather radical views of in- a lot more around the world than we had dividual freedom recognize limits on that before. And the third thing we did was to freedom when it interferes with preserving attempt to invest more in our people, in re- other people’s rights. search, development, technology, and edu- For example, there’s one of our famous cation. court cases which says we have freedom of Now, in addition to that, however, a lot speech, but no one should be free to shout of the credit here goes to the American peo- the word ‘‘fire’’ in a crowded movie theater ple themselves. We have a very sophisticated where there is no fire and cause people to business community; they were investing stampede over each other. There’s another money in new technologies and in new mar- famous court decision that says my freedom kets and in training people. We have an envi- ends where the other person’s nose begins, ronment where it’s quite easy for people to meaning that you don’t have the freedom to start a business, and perhaps this is the area hit someone else. that might be most helpful to China. So I agree with that. People have the free- I know that my wife has done a lot of work dom to choose and you have to respect other around the world in villages, trying to get people’s freedom, and they have the right to credit to villagers so they could borrow make decisions that are different from yours. And there will never be a time when our money to start their own businesses, to try systems and our cultures and our choices will to take advantage of some skill they have. be completely identical. That’s one of the And we have seen this system work even in things that makes life interesting. the poorest places in Africa and Latin Amer- ica, where opportunity takes off. U.S. Economic Expansion/Protest So we have tried to make it easy in Amer- Demonstrations ica for people to start a business, to expand Q. Mr. President, I have two questions. a business, and to do business. And then we The first question is, the U.S. economy has have also tried very, very hard to get new been growing for more than 18 months, so opportunities into areas where there were I’d like to ask, apart from your personal con- none before. And all these things together— tribution to the United States, what other but especially, I give most of the credit to factors do you think important for the success the people of my country. After all, a person of the U.S. economy? Maybe they can serve in my position, we’re supposed to have cor- as good reference for China. rect policies so that we create a framework The second question is, when President within which the American people then cre- Jiang Zemin visited Harvard University last ate the future. And I think that is basically year, there were a lot of students outside the what has happened. hall demonstrating, so I’d like you, Mr. Presi- Now, you asked me an interesting ques- dent, if you are in Beijing University and if tion. Actually, I have been demonstrated there were a lot of students outside protest- against quite a lot in the United States. I told ing and demonstrating, what feeling would President Jiang when he was there, I was glad you have? they demonstrated against him, so I didn’t The President. Well, first of all, on the feel so lonely. [Laughter] United States economy, I believe that the I’ll give you a serious answer. If there were principal role of Government policy since a lot of people demonstrating against me out- I’ve been President was to, first of all, get side, suppose they were demonstrating over our big Government deficit—we had a huge the question that the first gentleman asked

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me. Suppose they said, ‘‘Oh, President Clin- egation feel so very welcome today. Thank ton is trying to interfere with the peaceful you very much. reunification of China and Taiwan, and he Now, when Senator Akaka said that some shouldn’t be selling them any weapons what- people thought of ‘‘Beida’’ as the Harvard ever.’’ Well, I would try to find out what they of China—[laughter]—all of us Americans were demonstrating against, and then I who did not go to Harvard were thinking, would ask my host if they minded if I would perhaps, Harvard was the ‘‘Beida’’ of the go over and talk to them, or if they would United States. mind if one or two people from the group You know, political leaders of my genera- of demonstrators could be brought to see me, tion talk a lot about the future and the 21st and they could say what is on their minds, century, but it is you, the students who are and I could answer. here, who will live in it and who must build Remember what I said before about what it. A child born today will not even remember Benjamin Franklin said, ‘‘Our critics are our the 20th century. Indeed, a child born today friends, for they show us our faults.’’ You may think of people like me as relics of an have asked me some very good questions ancient dynasty. [Laughter] Americans—in- today that have an element of criticism in cluding that one—[laughter]—want to work them. They have been very helpful to me. with China to help build this future, a future They have helped me to understand how of security and prosperity, a future in which what I say is perceived by others, not just we clean up the world’s environment instead in China but around the world. They have of destroy it, a future in which we advance helped me to focus on what I can do to be education and dignity and freedom for all a more effective President for my people and people. for the things we believe in. As a small token of our respect and in And so I feel very good that we have had honor of your centennial, we are donating this interchange. And from my point of view, over 500 reference books to the library of the questions were far more important than ‘‘Beida’’. [Applause] Thank you. Xie xie. my speech. I never learn anything when I’m [Laughter] Through the U.S. Information talking; I only learn things when I’m listen- Agency, we have selected some of the best ing. volumes in our history and literature, along Thank you very much. Thank you. with encyclopedias and dictionaries on every subject related to the United States. And my NOTE: The President spoke at 10:25 a.m. in the wife and I have added personally two books Bangong Lou auditorium. In his remarks, he re- which we wrote: her book, ‘‘It Takes A Vil- ferred to Chen Jiaer, president, Ren Yansheng, lage,’’ and mine, ‘‘Between Hope and His- university council chairman, and Chi Huisheng, tory.’’ And I’d like to present them to the vice president, Beijing University; President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji of China. A tape President at this moment. was not available for verification of the content Now, if you’re trying to decide which one of these remarks. to read first, I should tell you that in America her book sold a lot more copies than mine did. [Laughter] Remarks at the Beijing University We are proud of our historic relationship Library in Beijing with this university. I hope these books will June 29, 1998 help to further our friendship for another generation. I hope, too, that more and more Thank you very much. Well, first, let me Americans will come to China to study and thank all of you for coming out to see us more and more young Chinese will go to on such a nice, warm day. [Laughter] I thank America to study. President Chen, Vice President Ren, Profes- Every day I must be preoccupied with the sor Chi, Senator Akaka and the Members of world’s problems, but I believe a lot of the Congress who are here, and all the members world’s problems would be quickly solved if of the university community, who have made the world’s young people were permitted to my wife and our daughter and our whole del- live together and learn together and serve

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together. You can set the standard, and I (a) in subsection (k), by inserting after hope you will. ‘‘State.’’ ‘‘Those under Section 36(e) of the Next week our young country will cele- Act, as added by Public Law 104–164 with brate its 222d birthday. It is a time of year respect to transmittals pursuant to Section when we Americans stop to reflect on the 36(b) to the Secretary of Defense, and with many blessings we enjoy, on the ideals of our respect to transmittals pursuant to Section Founders to provide life, liberty, and the op- 36(c), to the Secretary of State.’’, and portunity to pursue happiness to all people. (b) by redesignating subsections (n) It is a time when we measure our progress through (s) as subsections (o) through (t), re- and try to honestly assess our continuing spectively, and inserting the following after problems, when we take pride in our history subsection (m): but also resolve to keep working on it. For ‘‘(n) Those under Section 40A of the Act, history is not just something to be studied as added by Public Law 104–164, to the Sec- at university. History is always unfolding. retary of State insofar as they relate to com- Here it is unfolding. And I believe a large mercial exports licensed under the Act, and part of the next chapter in America’s history to the Secretary of Defense insofar as they will be its partnership with the new China. relate to defense articles and defense services China, too, is always rebuilding itself. Of sold, leased, or transferred under the Foreign course, your foundations are deeper than Military Sales Program.’’ ours; our entire history could fit into one of Sec. 2. Section 1–201 of Executive Order your longer dynasties. [Laughter] But from 12163, as amended, is further amended as different starting points we are working to- follows: ward a common destiny of peace and pros- (a) in subsection (a)(13), perity and, I hope, of lifting the level of free- (1) by inserting the following before ‘‘and dom and dignity not only for all our own peo- sections’’: ‘‘, section 620G as added ple but for others throughout the world. by Public Law 104–164’’; and China is a very old country, but thanks to (2) by inserting the following after ‘‘law’’: you, to your idealism, to your spirit, and to ‘‘, except that the functions under sec- your future, it will remain forever young. tion 620G as added by Public Law Thank you very much. 104–164 shall be exercised in con- sultation with the Secretary of De- NOTE: The President spoke at 12:19 p.m. on the fense’’; Library Lawn. In his remarks, he referred to Chen (b) in subsection (a)(23), by deleting ‘‘, ex- Jiaer, president, Ren Yansheng, university council chairman, and Chi Huisheng, vice president, Bei- cept’’ and all that follows through ‘‘thereof’’; jing University. A tape was not available for ver- (c) by redesignating subsections (a)(18) ification of the content of these remarks. through (36) as (a)(19) through (37), respec- tively; and (d) by inserting the following new sub- Executive Order 13091— section after subsection (a)(17): Administration of Arms Export ‘‘(18) section 655 of the Act, insofar as they Controls and Foreign Assistance relate to defense articles and defense services June 29, 1998 licensed for export under section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act:’’. By the authority vested in me as President Sec. 3. Section 1–301 of Executive Order by the Constitution and the laws of the 12163, as amended, is further amended by: United States of America, including section (a) redesignating subsections (e) through 301 of title 3, United States Code, and in (g) as subsections (f) through (h), respec- order to delegate certain authority to the Sec- tively; and retary of State and the Secretary of Defense, (b) inserting the following new subsection it is hereby ordered as follows: (e): Section 1. Section 1 of Executive Order ‘‘(e) the functions under section 655 of the 11958, as amended, is further amended as Act insofar as they relate to defense articles, follows: defense services, and international military

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education and training furnished by grant or China. But this is really the first opportunity sale by the Secretary of Defense, except to I have had to meet with such a diverse group the extent otherwise delegated.’’ of Chinese citizens who are active in so many Sec. 4. Section 1–501 of Executive Order different areas. 12163, as amended, is further amended: So I hope that you will help us to under- (a) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ‘‘and’’; stand what is going on and to speak with us and frankly and openly, and understand that what (b) in subsection (a)(3) after ‘‘1754)’’ by we want is to build the right sort of partner- inserting the following: ship and friendship with the Chinese people ‘‘; and (4) section 655(c) of the Act’’. over the long run into the 21st century. William J. Clinton If I could begin, I think I would like to The White House, ask Professor Zhu, how has China changed June 29, 1998. in the last couple of years and what is the role of the legal profession in this change? [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., July 1, 1998] [Ms. Zhu Lanye, vice dean of the Inter- national Department, East China University NOTE: This Executive order was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on June 30, and it of Politics and Law, stated that in the school was published in the Federal Register on July 2. she graduated from the student population had doubled to 4,000 students, with over 400 graduate students, and the number of law Remarks in a Roundtable Discussion schools in China increased from 2 to 14, re- on Shaping China for the 21st flecting China’s need for more lawyers, due Century in Shanghai, China to a major increase in civil cases.] June 30, 1998 The President. Mr. Wang has been a con- The President. Let me begin by thanking sumer advocate, and we have read about you all of you for agreeing to participate in this in the American press. I wonder if you could roundtable discussion. I want to say that the follow up on what Professor Zhu said in purpose of this discussion is to help me and terms of the work you do. Do you believe my wife and the American people, through that the quality of products, consumer prod- us, understand the changes that are going on ucts is getting better?—first question. And in modern China, the challenges that are out tell us what the relationship is between what there, and what all of you are doing in your you do and the legal profession. Can people various lives to deal with these changes. have adequate access to legal remedies if For us, this is a very exciting opportunity they are sold inferior products? to come here, to see what is going on, and also to try to come to grips with the areas [Mr. Wang Hai, consumer advocate, author, where China and the United States can co- and newspaper columnist, stated that China operate, the areas where we still have dif- promulgated consumer protection laws in ferences, and how we might not only manage 1984 and that prior to that, China placed those differences but even work together emphasis on the collective interest as opposed there to try to come to some common agree- to consumer interests. Mr. Wang described ment. his company which consults with consumers Everyone understands that there is a new and companies whose rights have been vio- China emerging in the world that is more lated. He indicated that he had been viewed prosperous, more open, and more dynamic. as immoral and asked the President if con- I have been to a small village near Xi’an sumer advocates in the United States were where people now elect their local officials. also viewed this way.] I have already had the opportunity to meet with some small-business people and others The President. No. Interestingly enough, who are agents of change in the modern many of our governments in what you would

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call the province level, our State govern- hardcover, the books that are in paperback. ments and some of our larger city govern- So it’s quite a large part of American life, ments, actually have their own consumer ad- I think. vocates, people who are employees of the I would like to ask Madame Xie if you government whose job it is to work to find could tell us a little bit about, from your per- out things that are being done, in effect, that spective, how China has been changing, and work a fraud, that are unfair or illegal to con- in particular, whether there is any difference sumers when they buy homes, when they buy in university life and the emphasis that the cars, when they buy other products. So, in young people are placing on different areas our country, people who find those kinds of of study. problems very often are themselves employ- Ms. Xie Xide, former president of Fudan ees of the government and generally are [ University, stated that the Chinese policy of quite highly regarded. reform had brought great benefits. She indi- Now, of course, if they find a very big com- cated that Fudan University now sends 1,400 pany doing something that’s going to be very teachers to study abroad or to serve as visit- expensive to fix, they’re sometimes criticized ing scholars and that 80 percent come back by the company. But by and large, consumer and play important roles at the university. advocates enjoy a very favorable position in She also said that increasingly the best stu- American society. It has not always been so, dents went into law, business administration, but I would say that for the last 20 to 25 or economics. years, they do. ] I would like to ask our novelist, Ms. Wang, The President. If I could just follow up to talk a little bit about how the atmosphere on that and perhaps anyone, professors, who for writers, for artists, movie makers, other would like to comment on this—when I was creative people has changed in China in the talking with President Jiang he said, ‘‘I am last few years. How would you describe those trained as an engineer, and Premier Zhu changes? Rongji is trained as an engineer.’’ They were both mayor of Shanghai. The present mayor Novelist Wang Xiaoying stated that great [ of Shanghai, we were walking down and he changes have taken place in China in her said, ‘‘I am an engineer.’’ And he said, ‘‘We area of interest. She indicated that she has were all trained in an era when we had to signed contracts with three publishing houses build China. We had to build things. We had and stated that her problem was not whether to know how to do things that people did she could publish but whether she could with their hands. And now that we have a produce enough good novels. Ms. Wang then more complex society, and people’s rights asked the President if literature has an im- have to be protected, for example, in what pact on his life. ] they buy, and we have to work out the com- The President. Oh, yes, very much, and plex relationships between people in a mar- I think not only for enjoyment but also for ket economy, we need more lawyers.’’ I think enlightenment. We have many books of lit- China only has like 115,000 lawyers, some- erature, all kinds of prose and poetry pub- thing like that. And, so, I wonder if maybe lished in America every year and heavily the changes are not a necessary evolution of taught in our schools and, at least in our case, the change in society. widely discussed in our home with our Participant. Well, there are a lot of stu- daughter. She is now reading books in the dents who are very interested in law subjects. university that, if we haven’t read them she Well, in China we do not have sufficient law- wants to know why, and she expects us to yers, and in your country you have plenty. try to understand those things. And so many American friends told me that So I would say that for millions and mil- ‘‘we can export some of them to you.’’ lions of Americans, literature is a very impor- [Laughter] tant force in their lives. And every week in The President. I tell President Jiang we our newspapers, there is a publication of the have too many lawyers and too few engi- best-selling books and the books that are in neers. So maybe instead of changing all the

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courses in the universities, we should just is a very painful childhood birth problem, trade each other. We’ll give you lawyers, you largely come from mothers that didn’t have could give us engineers. [Laughter] enough folic acid. So it changed the whole Participant. But it’s true that there are way the world viewed this terrible problem. many students who want to enter the law col- Chinese and American scientists have lege or university every year. On average, learned more about how to predict earth- there will be one student to apply for law quakes and other natural disasters. So I think subjects that can be actually accepted as a we have to do more of that. university student. And about only one- And then the third area is the one you fourth or a quarter of those students can be mentioned of technology transfer. We are qualified to be a college student. So that now implementing our peaceful uses of nu- means that the law subjects really are a hot clear energy agreement. I personally believe topic today in Shanghai. that in the energy area it’s the most impor- tant thing. Hillary Clinton then introduced Wu Qidi, [ I asked President Jiang if we could have president of Tongi University, who stated a major focus of our science and technology that the current focus in higher education partnership in the future be on the relation- was economic development but that her uni- ship of energy use to the environment, be- versity was moving to more diverse academic cause America is the largest emitter of green- pursuits, gearing the students toward partici- house gases, warming the climate. China will pating in the global economy. She stated that soon be larger than America. So we have this as more Chinese teachers work and study huge challenge: How to allow China to con- abroad, they become more aware of the need tinue to grow, how can Shanghai build more for change in the university educational sys- beautiful buildings like this and have people tem. She indicated that China needed science have good places to live and all of that, and and technology to support sustainable eco- still not destroy the environment of the nomic development and asked if there would world. be greater openness in the future between the The scientists know that this can be done. two countries that would go beyond ex- Most political leaders and business leaders changes of faculties and students. ] don’t believe it. Most political and business The President. Yes, I do, and I believe leaders think this is a problem my grand- it is very important. We are trying to do two children will deal with: ‘‘I have to create things in the United States. One is to make wealth now, I have to create opportunity.’’ sure more of our young people, wherever Scientists know we can grow the economy they live, even if they live in very poor com- and improve the environment. So I think this munities, are exposed at an early age to will be the biggest challenge for us. science and technology. We are trying to con- Now, in terms of the technology transfer, nect all of our schools to the Internet by the one last thing. We are working very hard to year 2000, because our goal is to take the deal with the so-called national security im- very remote schools, the schools in the poor- plications of technology transfer. Sometimes est urban neighborhood, and make sure they they are quite real. So we are working can have a connection and access to informa- through that. But I think in the energy and tion that anybody anywhere in the world has. environment area we will have no problems. I think that is important. And there will be more of this. Then we also want to have more coopera- I think I would like to, if I might, just go tion internationally. Perhaps the most suc- on to Professor Zuo, because I know you’ve cessful part of the U.S-China partnership in done a lot of work on migrant research. And the last few years has been our cooperation one of the most interesting things to us here in science and technology, although because is how China is managing the growth of its there has been no great conflict, it’s very large cities. And in America we have a similar often not in the news. But Chinese and phenomenon, mostly because of immigration American scientists, for example, discovered coming from beyond our borders. But we still that children born with spina bifida, which allow about a million people a year, just

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under a million people a year, to come legally The only other point I wanted to make to the United States from other countries. is just—about your research and how you And most of them come to large cities. And deal with these millions of people that are so some of our cities are growing, as Shanghai coming here to find work. This is a global is growing. And perhaps you could tell us issue. There are many cities that have no- about the challenges that that presents and where near the opportunities that Shanghai what you are doing in your research. does in other parts of the world, that are still growing by leaps and bounds all the time, [Zuo Xuejin, vice president of the Shanghai because even though there are huge num- Academy of Social Sciences, stated that since bers of poor people in these cities, there is the mid-eighties, the population flow within still a chance that the city life will be better China had been tremendous, with people than it is in the rural areas in other countries. from rural areas seeking greater opportuni- So if you look at the whole world—if you ties in urban areas. While this migration had look at Africa, if you look at the Middle East caused concern to urban Chinese because and Central Asia, if you look at all these they feared limited job opportunities for places, you have cities growing by leaps and themselves, the migration had been con- bounds in countries that have been poor. And trolled and services increased for migrants. as I said, in our country, it’s a place where He then discussed his experiences in the we try to manage all the new immigrant pop- United States and the influence of American ulations, and we have all the same challenges culture in China, giving specific examples you do, plus, often, language differences. So which ranged from fast-food restaurants to I would just say that this is an area where, jeans and movies, and concluded that there again, we may be able to cooperate and was much to be shared by China and the where we need to help, even beyond our bor- United States.] ders, deal with these vast migration flows. They will be one of the central, defining The President. If I could just make two trends, in my view, of the next 30 to 40 years. brief points. First of all, as to the last point And so I thank you for that. you made about films and travel, even though Yes, Professor. we have more and more access to each other, to our information and to our ideas over the [A participant noted that the President would Internet—and some day I suppose people be young when he left the presidency and will—every time someone like Ms. Wang asked if the President planned to continue writes a new book, someone will be in a mat- his law practice and, if so, would he remain ter of days able to pull it up on the Internet in Washington or move back to Arkansas.] and read it all over the world in their own The President. I was hoping you would language. I still think that it’s actually impor- offer me a position here. [Laughter] tant to have these people-to-people ex- Participant. No, you don’t speak Chinese. changes and to have more American stu- [Laughter] dents, for example, coming to China and The President. I’m not too old to learn. more Chinese going to America. I think that’s [Laughter] Actually, I am the third youngest very important. President ever, and I think the second young- I feel the same way about the movies. I est to be elected. President Theodore Roo- actually have seen some Chinese movies I sevelt and President John Kennedy were thought were extraordinarily powerful mov- both a little younger than me when they took ies. And I think we should have more of that office. So I’ll be about 54 when I leave office, and we should be—we should encourage our and I don’t intend to retire. But I haven’t artists to come here. And of course, there’s decided what to do yet or where to do it— so many Chinese-American artists that would except I will always have a home in my home give anything to perform in China and would State, in Arkansas, and I intend to build a feel very honored about that. So I hope that library there to house my Presidential papers we will be open and that the governments and to tell the story of the time in which will encourage more of that. I served as President. But beyond that I have

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not made any final plans. So maybe I will it. Is it really possible to know how many apply for a visiting professorship. [Laughter] Internet users there are? I mean, how do Participant. We welcome you to our uni- you know. versity as a visiting professor. You are more [Mr. Zeng indicated that each user had to than welcome. [Laughter] submit an application and that each had an Mrs. Clinton. I know that we want to hear IP address which would allow an accurate from all the panelists, and I’d like to hear count of users. He then asked if there was from the young man, Mr. Zeng, who has an opportunity for exchange between Chi- been so successful in the—— nese and American small and medium busi- The President. He’s not here, is he? nesses.] Mrs. Clinton. He’s not here? There he is, back there. Mrs. Clinton. That’s something that we’ll The President. You may talk if you like. look into and see if we can get you some Mrs. Clinton. Yes, about the Internet, be- information about that. cause you were talking about the Internet The President. There is probably more and the explosion of the Internet. And what growth among new companies this area than I’m interested in is, are there any restrictions any other area in the American economy. It’s on access to the Internet in China? exploding. So it may be that someone is fol- The President. Please come up here and lowing this conversation right now, and you’ll use Ms. Wang’s microphone. get a call within 30 minutes, for all I know. Mr. Edward Zeng. Right now it’s just [Laughter] But we will see what we can do. purely in the application form, you can get [Mrs. Clinton asked Bishop Jin Luxian of the it right away. Shanghai Catholic diocese how he would de- Mrs. Clinton. Right away. So there’s no scribe the recent changes in China. Bishop restrictions, universally available to anyone Jin responded that he was responsible for 78 who has the funds to have access to it. churches with 160,000 followers and that he Mr. Zeng. Yes, and also the growing rate had priests from all over the world. He stated is very fast. We are talking about more than that some of the initiatives underway were 1 million right now. training abroad for students, a large religious Mrs. Clinton. More than 1 million—— publishing house, translations of Christian Mr. Zeng. Internet users. texts, and computer training for students. He Mrs. Clinton. Internet users. In the entire stated that there were no restrictions on reli- country? gious beliefs in China, and that he had sought Mr. Zeng. Yes. a dialog with the Chinese Government rather Mrs. Clinton. And so what is the rate of than a contentious relationship.] increase, do you think, in terms of projec- tion? The President. Thank you, sir. Mr. Zeng. By the year 2000, maybe I would like to ask Mr. Wu now to talk around 5 million. So we’re talking about 30 a little bit. I know that you’re a professor percent growth rate. of American studies and perhaps you have some observations about how the relations [Mrs. Clinton asked how the information ex- between our two countries have changed in plosion was affecting the vast majority of the the last few years and what advice you could people of China. Mr. Edward Zeng, chief ex- give us going forward here. ecutive officer of Unicom-Sparkice Informa- [Wu Xinbo, a professor at the Center for tion Network, answered that there were on- American Studies of Fudan University, stated going efforts to provide a virtual office for that many Chinese were worried about the small and medium-sized business and that he United States trying to contain a growing operated a cyber cafe that was experiencing China and cited the areas of disagreement a 30 percent monthly growth rate.] between the two countries, including Taiwan, The President. Let me ask you one ques- but said there had been a major shift in the tion about your Internet figures. This library U.S. China policy since 1996. He indicated has an Internet room upstairs. I just visited that he believed that economic cooperation

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would grow in the future and cited President [Mr. Wu stated that his experience was very Clinton’s open exchange on human rights typical, noting that despite his poor cir- with President Jiang at the recent news con- cumstances he was able to get an education ference as a sign of a maturing relationship.] and that the Government had made a great effort to popularize 9 years of compulsory The President. Well, first let me thank education.] you for what you said. I do believe that my coming here and the work we’ve done in the The President. Dr. Wu and Madame Xie last 2 years, President Jiang’s trip to the and anyone else, what percentage of the stu- United States, has helped to resolve some dents in your university come from poorer of the misunderstandings. I had a chance to families where the parents of the students reiterate our Taiwan policy, which is that we had no education to speak of? don’t support independence for Taiwan, or [A participant said that about 15 percent of two Chinas, or one Taiwan-one China. And the students have poor family backgrounds, we don’t believe that Taiwan should be a noting that many foundations’ mission was member in any organization for which state- to help poor children return to school. The hood is a requirement. So I think we have participant stated that while many students consistent policy. in remote areas found it difficult to partici- Our only policy has been that we think it pate in national exams, they receive equal has to be done peacefully. That is what our treatment when they reach the university. law says, and we have encouraged the cross- The participant closed saying that while girls strait dialog. And I think eventually it will in the past had not received much family sup- bear fruit if everyone is patient and works port, they were currently half of the univer- hard. sity population. Another participant added I also agree that the human rights dialog that girls pursued law degrees more than I had with President Jiang was a good thing. math and science degrees and that they were I hope it will lead to more open discussion under-represented at the graduate student here. And I would be encouraged if that hap- levels. The participant noted that the major pened. problem continued to be financing for edu- Let me, if I could, I’d like to ask you a cation and the local governments which were more personal question. I read in your—I responsible for education often opted instead got a little biography of all of you before I for investment in areas which would show came here, and I would like to ask—I noticed economic returns to the community.] that you were born in a small rural commu- The President. I think what will happen nity, like me. All my mother’s people came in China—I believe this will happen because from a community, actually, that never had of the technological revolution—I think in more than 150 people, although I was born your economic growth you will almost leap in the largest city in my little area, which over a whole generation of economic experi- had at the time 6,000 people. ences that older European countries and per- One of the struggles we work at all the haps the United States experienced, where time in the States is trying to make sure that you will essentially be creating an industri- our children, no matter where they’re born— alized and a post-industrial society at the if they’re born in some remote rural area or same time. And therefore, more quickly, you some very poor area in the inner-city—that will have to educate more people at higher they still have a chance, if they have ability, levels than we did. as you obviously did, to live the future of Because what happened in the 20th cen- their imaginations and their dreams. tury in America is first everyone had about— Do you believe that you have a system now you know, first education was the province in China which would give every boy and girl of the elite. And then everyone got about growing up in a small rural village like you 4 years of education and then 6. And then the chance that you had to become what you we went finally to high school education. And have become? then when I became President, about half

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of our young people are going on to univer- could happen. And I don’t want to com- sity. Now people are actually coming back plicate the answer, but I have to give you to university in huge numbers. The average a complete answer. age of our university student is going higher, First of all, in America we have pretty clear because we have more people not only com- laws on this, and so the best companies ing right out of our high schools but also would just take the merchandise back and coming back from society, because everyone give the person his money back or give the recognizes now that we have to universalize person a new product, because they wouldn’t very high levels of education because of the want to get a reputation of being unfair to way the society works. consumers or a reputation of selling bad So I think that this will happen in China products. So the first thing the person would more quickly just because of this moment do is to take it back, because of the laws. in history, and I think it will be a very good Now, secondly, the person might go to the thing. consumer advocate in the government. I wanted to—I know we’re about to run That’s the one I talked to you about. Suppose out of time, but I wanted to ask a couple this happened in New York City. Well, New of more questions. Go ahead, Professor Xie, York City has a Consumer Affairs Bureau. do you want to make a point? Because my Now, maybe sometimes it’s more active for question is unrelated to this, so go ahead. the consumers than others, depending on Participant. [Inaudible]—continue this whether the mayor believes in this cause or discussion, but we know you have a very busy not. So if there’s no opportunity there, then schedule. And we’re very glad to be here to the person would have either an independent discuss our life here with you and we thank consumer group—there are some—or you you for listening. could go into court and pursue your remedy The President. Thank you. I want to ask there. two quick questions, one of Ms. Wang. So I don’t think there’s a problem of hav- [A participant asked Mrs. Clinton as First ing the consumer groups themselves too tied Lady what impact the media attention had to the manufacturers. And if there’s a pattern on her personal life. Mrs. Clinton said that or practice of selling bad products, then it’s people read meaning into everything she did almost certain that there would be a remedy as First Lady even when no meaning was found in our courts. intended. She related the situation to a larger set of expectations and stereotypes that all [Mr. Wang stated that in China, even when women face in life, regardless of geography a case went to court and an award was made, or culture, which are imposed by society.] getting the court decision enforced was dif- ficult. He asked how these things were han- Participant. Thank you very much. dled in the United States.] The President. Go ahead, Mr. Wang. Mrs. Clinton. It is. And sometimes even [Mr. Wang stated that in China there were after people get a judgment, they have to potential conflicts of interest within the con- continue to work very hard through the legal sumer protection process in that store man- system to enforce their judgment. So it’s a agers could also hold positions in consumer continuing problem. rights groups and when a complaint is di- The President. You mentioned—you said, rected at his store, he could use his position well, sometimes if there’s a good store with in the group to bury the complaint. He asked a good brand name, that you won’t have if similar situations happened in the United these problems, but if people are selling off- States.] brands or off the street, or whatever, they The President. Well, in the United States might. You have real problems in America a consumer in the position that you just men- sometimes in enforcing these orders if it’s tioned—let’s say someone bought something difficult to find the company that sold the in a department store and it was defective; product or difficult to find their bank ac- I would say there might be four things that count.

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[Mrs. Clinton stated that one reason the And then there’s the second category of President wanted this roundtable discussion problems, which is just the basic legal prob- was that many Americans were quite inter- lems or personal problems that people find ested in what is happening in China but don’t in a complex society, whether it’s consumer know about the changes in China and didn’t protection problems or—Hillary, yesterday, know how to evaluate what was happening was talking to some people who were in- here or how we should define our relation- volved in legal work in Beijing, and there was ship. She asked the participants if there were a woman who got a divorce from a husband any additional points they would like to make who had been abusing her. But their apart- to help the American people understand. A ment house came to him because of his work, participant stated that her 5-year-old’s child- so where does she live now with their child? hood would be much better than hers, and Those kinds of problems. as her child moved through life, the changes I agree with what Madame Xie said. We in China would have an impact throughout. have to—these rule-of-law issues, we need She indicated changes in China would take to just keep working through these and work time to evolve. China could not build over- together on them. night what the United States had developed But in the third area, I think there is still in 200 years. She indicated that the United some considerable difference, and that is to States should be more understanding of the what extent does a different political opinion evolution of human rights and democracy in or a different religious conviction enrich a China and stressed that understanding could society and make it stronger, and to what ex- be enhanced by publication of Chinese lit- tent does it promote instability and weaken erature in the United States. Bishop Jin brief- the enormous work that has to be done? ly discussed the education issues among the And I think that we just have to kind of poor and stated that the Shanghai Catholic be honest here. China has had many chal- diocese had set up Project Hope primary lenges. It’s a much bigger country than the schools in the provinces in China.] United States. It’s coming very far very fast. And I think there is a tendency among the The President. Thank you very much. If Chinese, in Government and perhaps in the I could close, I would just like to make a society, to see these kinds of political or reli- couple of points. First of all, thank you all gious dissents as—at least to be very super- very much for being here, for me and for sensitive to the prospect of instability be- Hillary and I think for the Members of Con- cause China has suffered in the past from gress and the Secretary of State and the instability. members of our delegation this has been an In the United States, because of our his- enriching experience,and I have a much, I tory, there is always a tendency to believe think, better feel for what is going on in mod- that anybody’s political opinion and religious ern China. expression deserves great protection and Secondly, if I might just close with a few great respect and, no matter how different words about our perspective on this whole it is from ours, that allowing the widest pos- issue of the relationship between social sible room for expression of political and reli- progress and individual rights or human gious feelings makes a country stronger, a so- rights. ciety stronger over the long run. That has I think there are basically three different been our experience. categories of issues here, and I’d leave these So I think we have to understand our two thoughts with you. When it comes to just cre- perspectives and honestly confront these ating more opportunity for people to have things as they present difficulties in our rela- a better life and refraining from oppressing tionship and look at them as opportunities people in horrible ways, I think it’s obvious to try to build a common future, because I that China since the end of the Cultural Rev- do think that, as I said in Beijing in the press olution has made enormous progress, almost conference I had with President Jiang and unprecedented for any society in human his- at the university, the forces of history are tory. driving us toward a common future. We have

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to build a common future. And so it’s impor- right in front of you there are so many people tant that we be able to discuss these things waiting in line to talk to you. We’re really in an open way. happy about this. How about we just start I think all of you did a terrific job today right here, okay? expressing your point of view and also giving President Clinton. Let’s do it. my fellow Americans and I a window on modern China. And we thank you very much. Asian Financial Crisis Mrs. Clinton. Thank you. [The first caller asked about the Asian finan- The President. Thank you. cial crisis and increasing cooperation be- tween China and the United States.] NOTE: The President spoke at 9:41 a.m. at the Shanghai Library. In his remarks, he referred to President Clinton. First of all, Mr. Fong, President Jiang Zemin of China; and Mayor Xu that is a very good question, and it has occu- Kuangdi of Shanghai. The Chinese participants pied a major amount of my time since last spoke in Chinese, and their remarks were trans- year, when we saw the difficulties developing lated by interpreters, except for Edward Zeng, in Indonesia, in the Philippines, in Thailand, who spoke in English. in Korea, and of course, in Japan. I would like to begin by saying I believe Remarks in a Call-In Show on that China has done a very good job in hold- Shanghai Radio 990 ing its currency stable, in trying to be a force of stability during the Southeast Asian crisis. June 30, 1998 Secondly, we are working together, the U.S. President Clinton. First of all, I want to and China, and we are working through the thank the mayor for welcoming me to Shang- IMF to try to help all these countries stabilize hai, and say I very much enjoyed my first their economies and then restore growth. morning here. We did go to the library, my But I think the last point I’d like to make wife and I did, and we met with a number is that we cannot see growth restored in Asia of citizens from in and around Shanghai who unless it is restored in Japan. Now, in Japan are involved in one way or another in China’s the people are about to have an election for remarkable transformation. And they helped the upper house of the Diet, so this is not us a lot to understand what is going on in an easy time for them. But the Government China. is going to disclose in the next couple of days I also want to say a word of appreciation what it intends to do in the area of financial to President Jiang for the very good meeting reform. we had in Beijing and for making it possible If it is a good proposal and the confidence for me to reach out to the people of China of the investors of the world is raised, then through televising our press conference to- I believe you will see the situation begin to gether. And then, of course, I went to Beijing turn around, and the pressure will be eased University yesterday, ‘‘Beida,’’ and spoke in China, and we can see some economic with the students there and answered ques- growth come back to Japan and these other tions. And that was also televised. countries. It is very important to the United And then to be here in Shanghai, one of States and very important to China. We’re the very most exciting places in the entire working hard on it. world, to have the chance to begin my visit [Mr. Zuo noted that China has been working here with this radio program is very exciting. hard not to devalue its currency, and he So I don’t want to take any more time. I just asked Mayor Xu Kuangdi of Shanghai about want to hear from the questioners and to trade between the U.S. and Shanghai. Mayor have a conversation, so that when it’s over, Xu noted that trade with the U.S. was up perhaps both the American people and the 30 percent in the first 5 months of this year, people of China will understand each other with imports and exports fairly balanced be- better. cause Shanghai imports a lot of U.S. high- Program Host Zuo Anlong. Mr. Presi- tech products, and he expressed his hopes dent, you already can see our TV screen— that this would continue. The next caller, an

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employee of the Shanghai Library which the if it’s a book. But if it’s just an article, it’s President had toured, asked about increasing easy to print out, takes just a couple of min- exchanges between American libraries and utes. the Shanghai Library. ] [Mayor Xu discussed the challenge of getting China-U.S. Library Cooperation computer technology out to the countryside, noting that a lot of people there still don’t President Clinton. Well, first of all, I have electricity. He also pointed out that think that we need to make sure that all of Shanghai Library memberships funded only our major libraries are connected through 5 percent of the library budget and that the the Internet, so that we can ship information government must make up a lot of the rest, back and forth over the Internet that is not but that he was willing because investment available in the libraries themselves. For ex- in education is important. Another caller then ample, if you have total Internet connection noted that both the President and Mayor Xu with the New York Public Library, which is had a history of involvement with education our largest public library, then there would issues and asked each of them to discuss the be things that you have they don’t have, but future of China-U.S. educational exchanges.] you could send them over the Internet. There would be things that they have that Educational Opportunity you don’t have that could be shared. President Clinton. Well, first of all, let So what I will do, since you have asked me say that we are working very hard in this question, is, when I get home, I will ask America to make sure that more of our own the people who are in charge of our major people go on to university and also acquire libraries, the Library of Congress, which is the skills necessary to operate in the com- the biggest library in Washington, DC—it’s puter age. So, I have worked very hard to our national library—and the New York Pub- open the doors of universities to more peo- lic Library, and perhaps one or two others, ple, to make sure that the cost of the edu- to get in touch with the Shanghai Library cation is not a bar to people going. and see whether we can establish a deeper Now, in addition to that, we want to pro- partnership. mote more exchanges of students. I want I was very impressed that the Shanghai Li- more American students to go to other places brary has 300,000 members who actually pay in the world, including China, to study, to the annual membership fee, 10 yuan. And learn the language, to learn the culture, to I think that—we have many people using our understand the nation. And I very much want libraries, too. I would also like to figure out, to bring even more students from around the if I might, how these big libraries in America world to the United States to study. So per- and China can better serve the small libraries haps there’s something we can do coming out in the rural areas, where people are so hun- of this trip, the mayor and I, to have more gry for information and they don’t have as exchanges with people from the Shanghai much as we do, those of us who live in the area, because I believe it’s very important. bigger areas. So I will work on this. And I think it will only grow more important [Mr. Zuo agreed on the importance of library as we move into this new century. outreach to rural areas. ] [Mayor Xu agreed, noting that education in President Clinton. But as you know, you Shanghai is more universal than elsewhere now have the computers with the Internet in China. He said 60 percent of high school hookups, and if you have printers there, then graduates in Shanghai get into colleges, and people all over China can order articles out he wants to utilize radio, television, and adult of the Shanghai Library and just print them education to make up the 40 percent gap. out on the computer. So that all you have The mayor then discussed approaches to edu- to have now is a hookup with a printer in cation, noting that the Chinese stress more the small libraries, in the smallest villages, discipline, which is good for order but can and anything in the Shanghai Library can be discourage open interaction, whereas Amer- sent to them. Of course, it’s more expensive ican classrooms allow for more freedom,

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which in the opinion of Chinese educators [Mayor Xu agreed on the need for a new con- creates chaos. The mayor said both ap- sensus on concepts of education. He cited an proaches have value, and the two countries example of Chinese parents, accustomed to should learn from each other.] the methods of Chinese education, who were dissatisfied with visiting American high President Clinton. Well, actually, here’s school teachers because the teachers did not a case where I think we would greatly benefit give enough tests.] from working together, because there is no perfect system. If you just start with the issue President Clinton. But, to be fair, we of discipline, we know that without a certain need more exchanges, too, because what amount of discipline and order in the class- sometimes happens in America is, if you room, it’s impossible for learning to occur. don’t have pretty high standards for measur- We also know if there is too much order, ing whether everybody knows what they where everything is structured, the child may should know, then the very best students may close up and not be open to information and do better under our system and they go on to learning. So we have tried all kinds of and win the Nobel Prizes or they create the things. new companies, but we leave too many be- In our country, for example, now many of hind because we don’t make sure they know. So I think there’s something we have to our schools are going back to an older prac- learn from each other, and we really should tice of requiring the students to wear uni- work on this. Because every advanced soci- forms every day, as is the case in many other ety—the Japanese could join with us in this; countries, on the theory that it makes people the Russians could join with us in this. We more disciplined. It also gives a spirit of all have the same interests here in finding equality. This is sweeping our country, really, the right balance in our educational systems. and doing very well. On the other hand, we want enough freedom in the classroom so [Mr. Zuo asked if investment in education that the children have the confidence they could be justified despite the long payback need to participate in the class discussion. period.] Now, on the second matter, which I think President Clinton. Well, it is a long pay- is very important, does education emphasize back period but it has the highest payback drilling information into the head of the stu- of any investment. If you invest in a child’s dent, or should it emphasize sort of creative education—maybe they’re 5 years old when or critical thinking? I think the answer is, they start, and maybe they’re in their early clearly, both. How can you be a creative twenties when they get out of university— thinker if you don’t know something in the that’s a long time. And you have to hire all first place? First, you must know what you these teachers along the way and pay for all need to know. You must have the informa- the laboratory facilities and all that. But tion. there’s nothing more important. And then On the other hand, if you look at how fast the young person gets out into a world in things are changing—in this information age, which ideas create wealth and gives back to the volume of facts in the world is doubling society many times over. every 5 years. That’s a stunning thing. The So people shouldn’t look at it just as one volume of information is doubling every 5 person investing in another. It ought to be years. Therefore, it’s very important not only China investing in its future, the United what you know today but what you are capa- States investing in its future, together invest- ble of learning and whether you can apply ing in a peaceful, stable, prosperous world. what you know to solving new problems. Education, ideas, information—they give So I think what we need is a careful bal- us the capacity to lift people out of poverty ance between making sure our students have and to lift people out of the ignorance that the bedrock information without which you make them fight and kill each other and to can’t make those decisions, but also learn to give us an understanding about how to solve be creative in the way you think to deal with the environmental problems of the world, the exploding information of the world. which are great. This is worth investing in.

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It’s more important than everything else. Yes, Iran-U.S. Relations it takes a long time to pay out in the life [Mr. Zuo asked about ‘‘soccer diplomacy’’ in of one child, but the payouts for a country the context of the Iran-U.S. World Cup com- are almost immediate. petition.] [Mr. Zuo agreed and suggested that in China- President Clinton. I think it could be pos- U.S. relations there must be investment for sible. The Iranians like wrestling very much, the future. Another caller then asked the and we have exchanged wrestling team visits. President which sports he liked to play when And they treated our American wrestlers he was in college, how he maintains his en- with great respect and friendship, which ergy at work, and which soccer team he meant a great deal to me. And then we were thought would win the World Cup.] honored to receive their wrestlers. So I think—the new President of Iran Mr. Zuo. Oh yes, so many questions. You seems to be committed to not only lifting threw a lot of questions at him all at once. the economic and social conditions of his people but also having a more regular rela- Sports tionship with the rest of the world, in accord- President Clinton. Well, when I was in ance with international law and basically just college, I liked to play basketball, which is conditions of good partnership. So I’m hop- very popular in America, and I liked to jog. ing that more will come out of this. But I think Americans were riveted by the I have jogged—I am a runner, you know, and soccer game. And they were impressed, be- I did that for most of the last almost 30 years. cause we were supposed to win the game Then about a year and half ago, I hurt my and we had lots of chances and our players leg, and I couldn’t run for several months, played very well. They played very well; they and I began to work on the Stairmaster— had lots of chances; they could have scored you know, it’s the machine—you find them eight times or something. But the Iranians in a lot of these gyms. You walk up and down had two fast breaks and they played with such stairs. And I do that quite a lot now because passion and they had those two chances and it’s quicker than running. And I play golf. they capitalized on both of them. And we I like golf very much. It’s my favorite sport. respect that. It was very good. Even though it doesn’t burn a lot of calories, it makes my mind calm. So I like it. Automobiles and the Environment Now, on the World Cup, it’s hard for me to predict. I will say this, the World Cup is [The next caller asked Mayor Xu if Shang- now becoming important to Americans in the hai’s encouragement of private cars would way it’s important to other countries, because make traffic conditions worse and contribute to environmental pollution. Mayor Xu re- soccer came rather late to America because sponded that the city government had not en- we had football and basketball. Now, more couraged private car ownership but had sim- and more of our children are playing soccer. ply relaxed regulations related to it because And I think the World Cup is a great way Shanghai’s growth had caused many to re- of bringing people together. You know, the quire transportation into the city from outly- United States has been estranged from Iran ing areas. He acknowledged the need to focus for a long time, but we had this great soccer on public transportation systems, develop a game and they beat us fair and square—it better understanding of roadway manage- was heartbreaking for Americans, but they ment, use unleaded gasoline, and require won a great, fascinating soccer match, and emissions filters.] they eliminated us from the World Cup. Mr. Zuo. I’m not an expert in soccer, but I think Even though Mr. President is here, look at this—some of the people here the Brazilians are always hard to beat. I’ve are still interested in asking questions of the watched them play a lot, and they’re very mayor about their city, because they’re inter- good. ested and they’re excited.

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President Clinton. Well, they should be. believe all of us will be driving cars that, even I mean, that’s a very basic thing. if they use gasoline, will be much, much I would like to comment on one thing the more efficient. Otherwise, if we don’t do questioner asked, because I was impressed these things, the air pollution will be terrible, that he is concerned that if everyone has a and it will create public health problems that private car, the air pollution will grow worse. will cost far more than the benefits of the Let me say, this is a big problem everywhere automobile. You don’t want that. And you in the world. But I once told President Jiang, can avoid it. You can avoid the mistakes we I said, my biggest concern is that China will made with technology and good planning. get rich in exactly the same way America got Educational and Scientific Cooperation rich. But you have 4 times as many people, so no one will be able to breathe because [The next caller related his experience while the air pollution will be bad. studying in America for a 10-month period Now, one of the things that you need to noting American teachers’ confusion about know is that when a car, an automobile, the Chinese dialects of Mandarin and Can- burns gasoline, about 80 percent of the heat tonese, and asked about encouraging better value of the gasoline is lost in the inefficiency understanding, cooperation, and interaction of the engine. But they are now developing between the two nations.] new engines, called fuel injection engines, President Clinton. Well, first of all, I per- where the fuel goes directly into the engine fectly agree with you. I think that this is a and it is about 4 times more efficient. So very important point. That’s why I came to I hope that within a matter of just a few China. That’s why I am very pleased that the years, in the U.S., in China, and throughout press conference I had with President Jiang the world, all these engines will be much, was televised, and why I did a question-and- much less polluting. And that will be very answer session at Beijing University yester- good for the health of the people of China day, and why I’m doing this today. I think and for the health of world environment. that we need more of this. Mayor Xu. Correct. That’s a good thing. And as I said to an earlier caller, when We right now are in the process of thinking I go home I intend to see what I can do about natural gas, LNG, that is, using it for about sending more Americans to China and cars, for taxis—— trying to make it possible for more Chinese President Clinton. Very good. to come to America. Because the more we Mayor Xu. ——for buses. And at the do these things, the more we will be able same time, even for personal motorcycles, to work through our differences and build we’re thinking of making them electric in- a common future. And, besides that, it will stead of gasoline. make life more interesting and more fun. [Mr. Zuo suggested that China’s automobile [The next caller asked about China-U.S. co- policy should suit conditions in China.] operation in science and technology.] President Clinton. Absolutely. I think, for President Clinton. We have had for many one thing, you should be much more dis- years a U.S.-China science and technology ciplined than we were about making sure you forum—[inaudible]—some research that has have good, high-quality mass transit, because helped us to predict extreme weather events. in the cities where we have good mass transit, And it has helped us to predict the coming people use it. So if you have good mass tran- of earthquakes. sit, then I think people should be free to have We have also had scientific research which cars, and it’s a nice thing to have, but they has helped us to uncover the cause of a con- won’t have to drive them so much and you dition in newborn babies, called spina bifida, won’t have the pollution problems. that is caused in part by the mother’s having Then I think the city, as the mayor said, not enough folic acid. And that has helped can set a good example. You can have electric us to have more healthy children. My wife, vehicles; you can have natural gas vehicles. 2 days ago, talked to a mother whose first And then, as I said, within a few years, I child was born with this condition, and the

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second child was born perfectly normal be- So I think the American people will see when cause of the research done by our people I go home that this was a good thing that together. I came here. And it’s a good thing that we So we have made a commitment, Presi- have a working relationship. dent Jiang and I, to identify other areas where we will do more work. And if you or China and World Trade Organization anyone listening to this program, if you have any ideas, you ought to send them to this [The next caller asked about U.S. influence station or the mayor; they will send them on with regard to China and the World Trade to me—because I think we should do more Organization.] science research together. President Clinton. Yes. First of all, obvi- Response to President’s Visit ously I think it is important for China to be a member of the World Trade Organization [A questioner asked if the President would because China is a major economic power be able to convince people who opposed his that will grow only larger over time. Sec- visit that he had done the right thing.] ondly, it should be obvious that we in the President Clinton. I believe that what the United States want to support China’s eco- American people have seen already—that nomic growth. After all, we are by far the our media has reported back on my meeting largest purchaser of Chinese exports. No with President Jiang, and the press con- other country comes close to the percentage ference, yesterday, the meeting with the stu- of exports that we purchase in the United dents; today, the meeting with the citizens States. So we support your growth. before I came over here, and this—it clearly But we believe that when China becomes shows that whatever differences we have in a member of the WTO, it must do so on our systems and the differences of opinion commercially reasonable terms; that is, you we have about what human rights policy must allow access to your markets, not only ought to be, what the scope of freedom of of American products but of others as well, religion ought to be, any of these differences, and there should be some open investment that we still have a lot in common, and by opportunities. And all of this should be done, working on the things we have in common however, in recognition of the fact that China we may also come to an understanding about is still an emerging economy, so you are enti- how to manage our differences. And I believe tled to have certain longer timetables and that the forces of history will bring about certain procedural help in this regard. more convergence in our societies going for- So what we’re trying to do in America is ward. to say, okay, China should be in the World The mayor and I were talking earlier about Trade Organization, but it has to be a com- the education systems and how, in the end, mercially realistic set of understandings we need to educate young people with the when you have memberships, and yet we owe same kinds of skills. And I believe, as I have you the right to a reasonable period of transi- said repeatedly, that high levels of personal tion as you change your economy. And I freedom are quite important to the success think we’ll get there. I think we’ll reach an of a society in the information age because agreement before long. you need people who feel free to explore, [Mayor Xu expressed his hope for such an to state their views, to explore their own con- agreement. Mr. Zuo then expressed his regret victions, and then live out their own dreams, that time was running short. He noted that and that this will add to the stability of a the program was the first such format the society by enriching it. That’s what I believe. President had participated in outside the U.S. And we’ve been able to have these con- and asked him for his impressions. versations here. And the Government and ] the people of China have been very open. Also, yesterday the students were very open Closing Comments in asking me some rather probing, difficult President Clinton. Well, first of all, I questions. And all of this, I think, is good. have enjoyed it very much. I want to thank

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all the people who called in with their ques- American citizens to be here in Shanghai to- tions and tell you that I’m sorry we didn’t night. get to answer more questions. But it’s always This museum is a fitting symbol of what the way. People everywhere want to engage I have seen in China these last few days, the their leaders in dialog. And so I thank you magnificence of your ancient past and your for your questions. They were very good brilliant future. ones. And if I didn’t get to answer your ques- I have seen a nation rising in its influence tion, I’m sorry. But this has been a historic in the world, with China’s leadership for sta- occasion. And perhaps now when I travel to bility in the Asian economic crisis and Chi- other countries, I will ask them if they will na’s leadership for peace on the Korean Pe- do the same thing. This was a very good idea. ninsula, and in working with us to help to [Mr. Zuo thanked the President, and Mayor deal with the difficulties caused by the nu- Xu then commented that he had learned a clear tests by India and Pakistan. lot from the President. Mr. Zuo closed the I have seen the Chinese people rising, mil- program by thanking the participants and lions of them, out of poverty; millions more the audience.] finding interesting work of their own choice, pursuing more educational opportunities, President Clinton. Goodbye. Thank you. having more say in their local affairs. I saw a great example of that when the NOTE: The President spoke at 12:14 p.m. from the studios of Shanghai Radio, on Zuo Anlong’s mayor and I did a talk radio show this morn- radio program entitled, ‘‘Citizens and Society.’’ ing here in Shanghai. And I was especially The program’s topic was ‘‘Moving U.S.-Sino Rela- impressed when one of the callers called in tions Forward into the 21st Century.’’ A tape was and said, ‘‘I don’t want to talk to the Presi- not available for verification of the content of dent; I want to talk to the mayor about traffic these remarks. problems in Shanghai.’’ [Laughter] Shanghai is truly the place where East Statement on the Identification of meets West. Over the last 150 to 200 years, Vietnam War Unknown Soldier the West has not always been the best of partners in Shanghai, but now we have a June 30, 1998 good partnership. I am especially pleased DNA testing positively identified the re- that a United States firm, RTKL, will design mains of the Vietnam War unknown the new Scienceland Museum here. I hope disinterred from the Tomb of the Unknowns that is a symbol of the kinds of positive, good in May as those of the Air Force 1st Lt. Mi- things we will do together in the future. chael J. Blassie. The Defense Department I also want to say a special word of appre- has notified the Blassie family and the other ciation to your mayor. Mr. Mayor, I heard— families involved in resolving this difficult this may not be a true story, but don’t tell case. I am pleased that one more family has me if it’s not—[laughter]—I heard that years finally learned the fate of a loved one, and ago when your predecessor, Zhu Rongji, in- I remain committed to seeking a full account- vited you to head Shanghai’s Central Plan- ing of the missing in action from that conflict. ning Commission, you told him you hated the whole idea of central planning. And Zhu replied, ‘‘Then you’re exactly the man I want Remarks at a Reception Hosted by for the job.’’ [Laughter] Mayor Xu Kuangdi of Shanghai Now we see you unleashing this city’s great June 30, 1998 potential, cutting redtape, fighting corrup- tion, protecting the environment, spurring an Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor, Ma- artistic revival. You are making Shanghai a dame Xu; to Museum Director Ma; ladies place the world looks to for commerce, cul- and gentlemen. It is a great honor for my ture, and people of different walks of life wife and members of our family, six Mem- thriving together. bers of the United States Congress, and Mr. Mayor, in 1996, when I asked the many members of our Cabinet and other American people to give me another term

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as President of the United States, the theme Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(A)), during the of my campaign was: Building a bridge to preceding calendar year. the 21st century. In Shanghai, you are build- 4. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(F) of the ing that bridge to the 21st century, and we 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(F)), the want to build it with you. President may disregard the competitive Thank you very much. need limitation provided in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. NOTE: The President spoke at 6:40 p.m. at the Shanghai Museum. In his remarks, he referred 2463(c)(2)(A)(i)(II)) with respect to any eligi- to Mayor Xu Kuangdi of Shanghai; Ma Chengyan, ble article if the aggregate appraised value director, Shanghai Museum; and Premier Zhu of the imports of such article into the United Rongji of China. States during the preceding calendar year does not exceed the applicable amount set forth in section 503(c)(2)(F)(ii) of the 1974 Proclamation 7107—To Modify Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(F)(ii)). Duty-Free Treatment Under the 5. Pursuant to section 503(d) of the 1974 Generalized System of Preferences Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(d)), the President may June 30, 1998 waive the application of the competitive need limitations in section 503(c)(2)(A) with re- By the President of the United States spect to any eligible article of any beneficiary of America developing country if certain conditions are A Proclamation met. 1. Pursuant to sections 501, 503(a)(1)(A), 6. Section 507(2) of the 1974 Act (19 and 503(c)(1) of title V of the Trade Act of U.S.C. 2467(2)) provides that in the case of 1974, as amended (‘‘the 1974 Act’’) (19 an association of countries which is a free U.S.C. 2461, 2463(a)(1)(A), and 2463(c)(1)), trade area or customs union, or which is con- as amended, the President may designate or tributing to comprehensive regional eco- withdraw designation of specified articles nomic integration among its members provided for in the Harmonized Tariff through appropriate means, including, but Schedule of the United States (HTS) as eligi- not limited to, the reduction of duties, the ble for preferential tariff treatment under the President may provide that all members of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) such association other than members which when imported from designated beneficiary are barred from designation under section developing countries. 502(b) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2462(b)) 2. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(A) of the shall be treated as one country for purposes 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(A)), bene- of title V of the 1974 Act. ficiary developing countries, except those 7. Pursuant to sections 501 and designated as least-developed beneficiary de- 503(a)(1)(A) of the 1974 Act, and after re- veloping countries pursuant to section ceiving advice from the International Trade 503(c)(2)(D) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. Commission in accordance with section 2463(c)(2)(D)), are subject to competitive 503(e), I have determined to designate cer- need limitations on the preferential treat- tain articles, previously designated under sec- ment afforded under the GSP to eligible arti- tion 503(a)(1)(B), as eligible articles from ad- cles. ditional beneficiary developing countries. In 3. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(C) of the order to do so, it is necessary to subdivide 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(C)), a coun- and amend the nomenclature of existing sub- try that is no longer treated as a beneficiary headings of the HTS. For certain articles, I developing country with respect to an eligible have decided that the effective date of des- article may be redesignated as a beneficiary ignation shall be determined by the United developing country with respect to such arti- States Trade Representative (USTR). cle if imports of such article from such coun- 8. Pursuant to section 503(c)(1) of the try did not exceed the competitive need limi- 1974 Act, I have determined to limit the ap- tations in section 503(c)(2)(A) of the 1974 plication of duty-free treatment accorded to

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certain articles from certain beneficiary de- bers of the SADC are to be included in the veloping countries. designation under section 507(2) of the 1974 9. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(A) of the Act and shall determine the effective date 1974 Act, I have determined that certain or dates of the designation. The USTR shall beneficiary developing countries should not announce by publication in the Federal Reg- receive preferential tariff treatment under ister the specific SADC members to be in- the GSP with respect to certain eligible arti- cluded in the designation and the effective cles imported in quantities that exceed the date or dates. applicable competitive need limitation. 15. Pursuant to section 507(2) of the 1974 10. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(C) of the Act, I have determined that members of the 1974 Act, I have determined that certain Tripartite Commission for East African Co- countries should be redesignated as bene- operation (EAC) should be treated as one ficiary developing countries with respect to country for purposes of title V of the 1974 certain eligible articles that previously had Act. The USTR shall determine which spe- been imported in quantities exceeding the cific members of the EAC are to be included competitive need limitations of section in the designation under section 507(2) of 503(c)(2)(A). the 1974 Act and shall determine the effec- 11. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(F) of the tive date or dates of the designation. The 1974 Act, I have determined that the com- USTR shall announce by publication in the petitive need limitation provided in section Federal Register the specific EAC members 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(II) should be waived with re- to be included in the designation and the ef- spect to certain eligible articles from certain fective date or dates. beneficiary developing countries. For certain 16. Section 604 of the 1974 Act, as amend- articles, I have decided that the effective date ed (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President of the waiver shall be determined by the USTR. to embody in the HTS the substance of the 12. Pursuant to section 503(d) of the 1974 relevant provisions of that Act, and of other Act, I have determined that the competitive acts affecting import treatment, and actions need limitations of section 503(c)(2)(A) thereunder, including the removal, modifica- should be waived with respect to certain eli- tion, continuance, or imposition of any rate gible articles from certain beneficiary devel- of duty or other import restriction. oping countries. I have received the advice Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, of the International Trade Commission on President of the United States of America, whether any industries in the United States acting under the authority vested in me by are likely to be adversely affected by such the Constitution and the laws of the United waivers, and I have determined, based on States of America, including but not limited that advice and on the considerations de- to title V and section 604 of the 1974 Act, scribed in sections 501 and 502(c), that such do proclaim that: waivers are in the national economic interest (1) In order to provide that one or more of the United States. For a certain article, countries that have not been treated as bene- I have decided that the effective date of the ficiary developing countries with respect to waiver shall be determined by the USTR. one or more eligible articles should be des- 13. Pursuant to section 507(2) of the 1974 ignated as beneficiary developing countries Act, I have determined that members of the with respect to such article or articles for pur- West African Economic and Monetary Union poses of the GSP, and that one or more coun- (WAEMU) should be treated as one country tries should not be treated as beneficiary de- for purposes of title V of the 1974 Act. veloping countries with respect to one or 14. Pursuant to section 507(2) of the 1974 more eligible articles for purposes of the Act, I have determined that members of the GSP, general note 4 to the HTS is modified Southern African Development Community as provided in section A of Annex I and sec- (SADC) should be treated as one country for tion A of Annex IV to this proclamation. purposes of title V of the 1974 Act. The (2) In order to designate certain articles, USTR shall determine which specific mem- previously designated under section

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503(a)(1)(B), as eligible articles from addi- on or after the dates specified in section A tional beneficiary developing countries, the of Annex III to this proclamation, the rate HTS is modified by amending and subdivid- of duty in the HTS set forth in such sub- ing the nomenclature of existing HTS sub- column for each of the HTS subheadings headings as provided in section B of Annex enumerated in section A of Annex III to this I to this proclamation. proclamation is deleted and the rate of duty (3)(a) In order to designate certain articles provided in such section is inserted in lieu as eligible articles for purposes of the GSP thereof. when imported from any beneficiary devel- (6) In order to provide for the continuation oping country, the Rates of Duty 1–Special of previously proclaimed staged reductions subcolumn for certain HTS subheadings is of duties in the Rates of Duty 1–Special sub- modified as provided in section C(1) of column for certain goods of Mexico that fall Annex I and section B of Annex IV to this in the HTS subheadings modified by section proclamation. B of Annex I to this proclamation and effec- (b) In order to designate certain articles, tive with respect to goods of Mexico under previously designated under section the terms of general note 12 to the HTS that 503(a)(1)(B), as eligible articles from addi- are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse tional beneficiary developing countries, the for consumption, on or after the dates speci- Rates of Duty 1–Special subcolumn for the fied in section B of Annex III to this procla- HTS subheadings enumerated in section mation, the rate of duty in the HTS set forth C(2) of Annex I to this proclamation is modi- in such subcolumn followed by the symbol fied as provided in such section. ‘‘MX’’ in parentheses for each of the HTS (c) In order to provide preferential tariff subheadings enumerated in section B of treatment under the GSP to beneficiary de- Annex III to this proclamation is deleted and veloping countries that have been excluded the rate of duty provided in such section is from the benefits of the GSP for certain eligi- interested in lieu thereof. ble articles, the Rates of Duty 1–Special sub- (7) In order to reflect in the HTS the deci- column for each of the HTS subheadings sion that members of the WAEMU should enumerated in section C(3) of Annex I to be treated as one country for purposes of title this proclamation is modified as provided in V of the 1974 Act, and to enumerate the such section. member countries, general note 4(a) to the (d) In order to provide that one or more HTS is modified as provided in Annex V to countries should not be treated as a bene- this proclamation. ficiary developing country with respect to (8) In order to reflect in the HTS the deci- certain eligible articles for purpose of the sion that members of the SADC should be GSP, the Rates of Duty 1–Special subcolumn treated as one country for purposes of title for each of the HTS subheadings enumer- V of the 1974 Act, and to enumerate those ated in section C(4) of Annex I to this procla- member countries that should benefit from mation is modified as provided in such sec- such designation, general note 4(a) to the tion. HTS is to be modified as set forth in a notice (4) A waiver of the application of section or notices that the USTR shall cause to be 503(c)(2)(A) of the 1974 Act shall apply to published in the Federal Register. Such no- the eligible articles in the HTS subheadings tice or notices should direct the insertion in and to the beneficiary developing countries general note 4(a) of the title of the associa- set forth in Annex II and in section C of tion and the names of those member coun- Annex IV to this proclamation. tries that should be treated as one country (5) In order to provide for the continuation for purposes of title V of the 1974 Act, and of previously proclaimed staged reductions should specify the effective date of such des- of duties in the Rates of Duty 1–General sub- ignation. column for goods that fall in the HTS sub- (9) In order to reflect in the HTS the deci- headings modified by section B of Annex I sion that members of the EAC should be to this proclamation and that are entered, or treated as one country for purposes of title withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, V of the 1974 Act, and to enumerate those

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member countries that should benefit from NOTE: This proclamation was released by the Of- such designation, general note 4(a) to the fice of the Press Secretary on July 1, and it was HTS is to be modified as set forth in a notice published in the Federal Register on July 6. or notices that the USTR shall cause to be published in the Federal Register. Such no- Remarks to Business Leaders in tice or notices should direct the insertion in Shanghai general note 4(a) of the title of the associa- July 1, 1998 tion and the names of those member coun- tries that should be treated as one country Thank you very much. Thank you. Ladies for purposes of title V of the 1974 Act, and and gentlemen, thank you for your warm wel- should specify the effective date of such des- come, and let me begin by thanking Charles ignation. Wu for inviting me here today. I am honored (10) Any provisions of previous proclama- to be joined not only by Secretary Daley but tions and Executive orders that are inconsist- by Secretary Albright and Ambassador ent with the actions taken in this proclama- Barshefsky, from whom you have already tion are superseded to the extent of such in- heard, and the distinguished congressional consistency. delegation and our fine Ambassador, Jim Sas- (11)(a) The modifications made by Annex ser. I to this proclamation shall be effective with It is fitting that the American Chamber respect to articles entered, or withdrawn of Commerce here in Shanghai is the fastest from warehouse for consumption, on or after growing one in Asia. Over the past 24 hours July 1, 1998. or so, I’ve had the chance to see examples (b) The action taken in Annex II to this of the kind of ingenuity and energy of those proclamation shall be effective on the date who live and work here, from the magnificent of signature of this proclamation. examples of architecture and culture to the (c) The modifications made by Annex III people. to this proclamation shall be effective with Yesterday I hosted a discussion with a respect to articles entered, or withdrawn range of Chinese leaders in academia, in law, from warehouse for consumption, on or after in the media, in culture, and nongovern- the dates set forth in such Annex. mental organizations, all working to create (d) The modifications made by Annex IV a more responsive, open, decentralized soci- ety. And also yesterday some of you may have to this proclamation shall be effective with heard the radio call-in show that I had, where respect to articles entered, or withdrawn the mayor joined me. It was very much like from warehouse for consumption, on or after call-in shows in America. People were con- a date to be announced in the Federal Reg- cerned about quite immediate issues by and ister by the USTR. large. My favorite caller said he did not want (e) The modification made by Annex V to to talk to the President, he wanted to talk this proclamation shall be effective with re- to the mayor about traffic issues. [Laughter] spect to articles entered, or withdrawn from One of the greatest American politicians warehouse for consumption, on or after the in the last 50 years, the late Speaker Tip date of signature of this proclamation. O’Neill, once told all of our Democrats in In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set the House that all politics was local. That’s my hand this thirtieth day of June, in the the most extreme expression I’ve seen in a year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine- long time, and I liked it very much. ty-eight, and of the Independence of the Later today I will have the opportunity to United States of America the two hundred speak with several new entrepreneurs and to and twenty-second. families who have recently moved into their own home for the first time. All of this to William J. Clinton me has been very, very encouraging. Many of you have helped to nurture Shanghai’s suc- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, cess and in so doing, have helped to nurture 8:45 a.m., July 2, 1998] China’s ongoing evolution to a more open,

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stable, and prosperous society. Your presence expose China to fair labor practices and in Shanghai is vitally important for the future stronger environmental standards. They of China and the United States and the larger spread powerful agents of change, fax ma- world. chines and photocopiers, computers and China has, of course, been one of our larg- modems. est trading partners. They bring more jobs, Over time, the more China enters the better pay, more growth, greater prosperity world community and the global economy, back home to the American people. In the the more the world will strengthen freedom 21st century more than ever, our ability to and openness in China. You are in the van- compete in foreign markets will be a critical guard, therefore, of an historic process. source of our strength and prosperity at Our commercial relationship has also home. We have, after all, in the United States helped to strengthen and in turn has been just 4 percent of the world’s population, but strengthened by expanding diplomatic co- we produce 20 percent of its wealth. Clearly operation between our nations. I will do ev- we must do something with the other 96 per- erything I can to encourage stronger trade cent of the people on this small planet in ties between the United States and China. order to maintain our standard of living and Just before my departure, the House Ways our ability to stand up for our values around and Means Committee voted overwhelm- the world. ingly in favor of normal trade treatment for We especially must reach out to the devel- China, MFN. I hope the rest of Congress oping world, whose economies are projected soon will follow suit. Failure to renew that to grow at 3 times the rate of the developed would sever our economic ties, denying us economies over the next 20 years, including, the benefits of China’s growth, endangering of course, the largest country, China. our strategic partnership, turning our back America, as Secretary Daley has said, has on the world’s largest nation at a time when been very blessed these last 51⁄2 years. I am cooperation for peace and stability is more grateful to have had the chance to serve, and important and more productive than ever. I’m very grateful for the support I have re- China and, indeed, Shanghai face major ceived from the Members of Congress here challenges in advancing economic progress in this audience and, even more importantly, beyond the present point; we all know that— for the work the American people have done more restructuring of state-owned enter- to bring our country back, bring our country prises, developing a transparent legal and together, and move our country forward. regulatory system, preserving the environ- But it is very important to note that a big ment as the economy grows, building a part of all those numbers that Secretary strong financial system, opening markets, Daley read off was the expanding, vigorous playing a responsible role in sustaining the American presence in foreign markets. About international financial system. 30 percent of the growth that produced those The United States is prepared to work with 16 million new jobs and the revenues nec- China in meeting these challenges because essary to balance the budget for the first time the success of China will affect not only the since 1969 and run a surplus came from ex- Chinese people and Chinese prosperity but panded trade. And it is a cause we must keep America’s well-being and global stability as at. well. I also want to say that in addition to the First, restructuring state enterprise is criti- positive impacts you have on the United cal to building a modern economy, but it also States, your work here has a very positive is disrupting settled patterns of life and work, impact in China. China’s 20-year track record cracking the Iron Rice Bowl. In the short of unprecedented growth has been fueled in term, dismantling state enterprises puts peo- part by foreign products, know-how, invest- ple out of jobs—lots of them—and into com- ment, trade, and energy. These ties also have petition for employment for private jobs. more subtle and perhaps more profound, Those who lack the right education, skills, long-lasting effects. They strengthen the rule and support risk being left behind here, as of law, openness, and accountability. They they do, I might add, in the United States

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and other countries undergoing changes be- tries—and I might add, in many sectors of cause of the global economy and the informa- the United States, including among many in tion age. the Congress—that there is an iron, unbreak- China will have to devise new systems of able link between economic growth and in- training workers and providing social benefits dustrial age energy practices. If that is the and social security. We have asked our Coun- link, we can hardly expect decisionmakers in cil of Economic Advisers, the Treasury, countries with a lot of poor people trying to Commerce, and Labor Departments to share come to grips with the enormous changes of their expertise and experiences with Chinese the global economy to do anything other than to help them navigate this transition. either deny the environmental problems or Second, China is working to put in place say that their children will have to fix them. a more transparent and predictable legal and Happily, it is not true. It is simply not true. regulatory system, with enforceable rights, We have example after example after ex- clear procedures, and strong efforts to com- ample of countries whose economies are bat corruption. I am pleased that American doing well as they adopt more sensible envi- businesses have pledged financial support for ronmental and energy practices and compa- the rule of law initiative President Jiang and nies in the United States who are making I have launched. It is terribly important. It a significant share of their profits through will improve legal education and judicial conservation and the implementation of new training in China, streamline the regulatory technologies, everything from simple initia- system, and improve legal aid for the poor. tives, like using more natural gas, using bet- Just as important, it can be the basis for ter lighting and insulation material, use of strengthening the protection of personal waste heat from power generation facilities rights and constraining arbitrary government. to provide heating, cooling, and lighting, and We’ve also initiated a dialog between our about to be widely available, fuel injection labor ministers that will address worker engines which will cut pollution from auto- rights. I challenge you to set a good example mobiles by 80 percent. here to show that respect for core labor All these things are available. Shanghai standards goes hand in hand with good and could be the center of an energy revolution successful business practices. in China which would actually lead to faster Third, as we go forward we must ensure economic growth, less resources invested in that economic development does not lead to cleaning up the mess later, and less resources environmental catastrophe. Respiratory ill- invested in taking care of sick people who ness from air pollution is now China’s num- won’t get sick if more is done to preserve ber one health problem. Every major body the environment. of water is polluted. The water table is drop- But we have to do something to break the ping all over the country. China is about to idea in people’s minds that the only way to assume the unfortunate distinction of replac- grow the economy of a developing country ing the United States as the largest emitter is to adopt industrial age energy use patterns. of greenhouse gases that are dangerously It is not true; it is a huge problem. It is still warming our planet. a problem in the United States, and I ask Increasingly, pollution at home, whether you to lead the way. in China or the United States or elsewhere, All the evidence is, if you look at the becomes a worldwide environmental prob- record of our country going back to 1970, lem, as well as health, environmental, and every time the United States has adopted economic problem for people in their home higher environmental standards, businesses countries. Climate change is a real and grow- have created new technologies to meet them, ing issue. The 5 hottest years recorded on and we have actually had faster economic the planet since 1400 have all occurred in growth with better and better paying jobs as the 1990’s. If present trends continue, 1998 a result. This is something we will have to will be the hottest year ever recorded. do together. Now, unfortunately, it is still the dominant I am pleased that the energy and environ- opinion in virtually all developing coun- ment initiative we launched last October has

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begun already to yield concrete clean energy I’m disappointed that we didn’t make and clean air projects, which I’ll have an op- more progress on this issue, but we’ll keep portunity to talk about more tomorrow in working at it until we reach a commercially Guilin. But I wanted to take this opportunity viable agreement. I also want to emphasize to ask all of you to try to change the thinking something I’m sure every Member of Con- because I have no right as President of the gress here would agree with, which is that United States to ask China to slow its eco- we cannot build support for permanent nomic growth. I don’t have a right to do that. MFN for China in the Congress on the basis But as a citizen of the world and the leader of anything less. of my country, I have a responsibility to ask Finally, China must help to meet the chal- us all to work together for a planet that our lenge of an international financial system grandchildren can still enjoy living on. And with no respect for borders. I must say that so do you. I appreciate the very constructive role China Fourth, you know better than I that China has played in promoting financial stability in faces significant challenges in strengthening the region, through direct assistance, multi- its financial and its banking systems. America lateral cooperation, participation in the inter- learned some hard lessons from our savings national financial institutions. Premier Zhu and loan crisis in the 1980’s. The Asian finan- and President Jiang told me China is deter- cial crisis today demonstrates the havoc a mined to play its part in avoiding another weak and inadequately supervised banking round of competitive devaluations, which I system can create. We want to help China believe would also be damaging to China, as avoid similar errors by improving regulations, well as to the region. opening to foreign competition, training bank Both our countries have important respon- sibilities to counter the threat to the inter- supervisors and employees, and in the proc- national financial system, and I am confident ess, I might add, developing the capacity to that working together, we can do so. Of fund more private entrepreneurs in small course, we have work to do to meet all these businesses. challenges, but you can help, as I’m sure you Fifth, as you are well aware, China’s econ- know, explaining to Chinese colleagues the omy still is burdened with complicated and important and tangible benefits in the infor- overlapping barriers. More open markets are mation age of increasing individual freedom, important to the United States, which buys and limiting arbitrary governmental deci- today about a third of China’s exports and, sions. in turn, should have a fair shot at China’s It isn’t simply a philosophical matter that markets. It is important to China as it builds no one has a monopoly on the truth. If you an economy that must compete globally. In look at what is driving the information age, America, as in China, rapid change and the it is ideas. The Chairman of the Federal Re- disruptions it brings make it tempting to turn serve, Alan Greenspan, was having a con- inward and to slow down. But for China, as versation with me several weeks ago, and he for America, the promise for the future lies told me something that I didn’t know—he in helping our citizens to master the chal- usually tells me something I don’t know lenges of the global economy, not to deny when I visit with him—[laughter]—but he them or run away from them. said that, actually, economists had measured President Jiang and I agree on the impor- the physical size of national output and com- tance of China’s entry into the World Trade pared changes in GNP or GDP with changes Organization. But that can only happen on in physical size. He says that in the last 15 strong terms, the same terms that other na- years, while America’s income has gone way tions of the world abide by to benefit from up, the bulk of what we’ve produced has WTO membership. Of course, there will hardly increased at all. Why? Because wealth have to be an individual agreement that rec- is being generated by ideas. ognizes the transitions China must under- That will become increasingly true every- take, but the terms have to be clear and un- where. In that kind of world we must all ambiguous. value the ability of people to think and speak

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and explore and debate, not only because it Interview With Central China is, we believe in America, morally right but Television in Shanghai because it is the only thing in the end that July 1, 1998 will actually work to maximize the potential of the people of China. And they deserve President’s Visit to China a chance, after so much struggle and so much Q. Mr. President, we are very honored to hard work, to live up to their potential and have this opportunity to talk to you, now that to see their nation live up to its potential. your trip in China is almost halfway. And I I also believe it is important to explain to guess you have gained a clearer picture of American colleagues and friends back home today’s China and what it is all about. So we the importance of our engagement with noticed that when you visit China, you chose China. There are some people who actually Xi’an as the first stop. Can you tell us why question whether I ought to have come on you decided to visit Xi’an first, in your first this trip and who had, I thought, prescriptive trip ever to China? advice, which would have completely under- The President. I wanted to start with a place that embodied the history of China, the mined the effectiveness of the trip. culture of China, the permanent character, It is important for Americans to remem- if you will, for the Chinese people. And I ber, as we go around the world telling people did it for personal reasons, because I think that no one has a monopoly on the truth, it’s always helpful for me to understand that we don’t either. And that we live in a where people are and where they’re going— world where the unique position of the if you understand where they come from. United States as the world’s remaining mili- But I also did it because I knew the Amer- tary superpower, with all of our economic ican people would see this. And one big goal strength, is such that we can maximize our of this trip for me was to have the American influence only by reaching out a hand of co- people learn more about China and the Chi- operation as well as standing strong when the nese people learn more about America. So moment requires it. that’s why I went to Xi’an first. We have to make most of our progress Eastern and Western Philosophies with most people by working with them, and that requires us to seek to understand and Q. Now, Mr. President, speaking of Xi’an, communicate and reciprocate and to live by I remember at your speech at the Xi’an air- the values we espouse. port you quoted ‘‘Li Shi,’’ which is an ancient So I hope you will do both these things. Chinese philosophy book. Now, in your opin- ion, based on the several days of observation I hope you will bring energy and commit- you’ve had in China, do you think there’s still ment to these tasks. I hope you will be im- a difference between Eastern and Western mensely successful at what we call your day philosophy? And if so, how can these two job as well, because we have a lot to do to philosophies cohabitate with each other in help America and China reach their full po- the world today? tential in the 21st century. But a great deal The President. Oh, I think there are some is riding on our success, and I believe we differences. Western philosophy is probably will succeed. somewhat more explicitly individualistic. And Thank you. Thank you very much. much Western philosophy is rooted either in the religious tradition of Judaism and Chris- NOTE: The President spoke at 9:37 a.m. in the tianity, or in kind of the materialist tradition. Atrium of Portman Ritz Carlton. In his remarks, But still, I think at bottom the best of West- he referred to Charles Wu, president, American ern and Eastern philosophy attempt to get Chamber of Commerce; Premier Zhu Rongji and at the truth of human life and human nature President Jiang Zemin of China. and attempt to find a way for people to live

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more fully up to that human truth. And so I also believe there is a genuine increase I think if you strip it away, we have a lot in people’s control over their own lives. In- to learn from Eastern philosophy and per- comes are going up, people have more haps China can learn some things from West- choices in education, more choice in jobs, ern philosophy, because they help us to look the freedom to travel. The state-run indus- at the world in a different way and acquire tries are going down in relative importance, a fuller view of what the truth is. and cooperatives and private businesses are coming up. And there’s more say at the grass- President’s Introduction to China roots level now over who the local leaders Q. And you do mention that it’s a very are and what their policies are. So I think good way to learn the history and culture of there’s a genuine movement toward open- a nation in order to understand more about ness and freedom in China, which obviously, the nation. So, Mr. President, in your mem- as an American and as an American Presi- ory can you recall the first time you ever dent, I hope will continue and increase and learned or heard about China? I mean, for which I believe is right—morally right, but instance, is it by a book or a movie or some I also think it’s good for China. other means? Q. Do you have any surprises? Except for The President. Oh, no, no. I remember— this. it’s when I was a young boy, and I was read- The President. Well, I don’t know about ing—my mother and father, they got me a surprises. I think I was—I was a little sur- set of encyclopedias when I was a boy, where prised—yes, I have two. First, I did not ex- you go—it’s world topics, A through Z—no pect when I came here that my entire press computers, you know? conference with President Jiang would be Q. And China is C. [Laughter] played live on television, and then my speech The President. And I remember looking at Beijing University. And then, of course, at the maps of the world and reading about yesterday I had the call-in radio show here China. I was probably, I don’t know, 8 or in Shanghai. So I did not anticipate being 9 years old. And I was fascinated by what able to have that sort of open, sweeping com- I read. I always wanted to come here from munication with the Chinese people. And that time on. I’m very pleased, and I appreciate President Q. Now, Mr. President, now that you’re Jiang’s decision to let the press conference in China—this is your 7th day in China, and be aired and all the other decisions that were during the last 7 days you’ve talked to people made. That I think was very good. I think from all walks of life; you’ve discussed issues it was also good for the Chinese leaders. I on a wide range with many various people. mean, the mayor of Shanghai and I had a Is the China in your impression now different wonderful time on the radio yesterday. from when your mother first gave you that So I think bringing the people into the map when you were 8 or 9 years old? process of making these decisions and having The President. Oh, yes. these discussions I think is very, very impor- Q. And what’s the most impressive dif- tant, because if you think about a lot of the ference? problems that we face—we could take Amer- The President. Well, for one thing, at that ican issues; we could take Chinese issues— time I had very little understanding. It’s still how are you going to guarantee that all these the most populous country in the world, but people who work for state-owned industries I think one is immediately struck by the dra- get good jobs? How are you going to deal matic economic growth and by the opening with the housing problems if people no of China to the rest of the world, in terms longer have a housing guarantee connected of learning, the quest for information. to their job, but there are vacant apartments You know, I went to that Internet cafe this in Shanghai, but you can’t seem to put the morning and watching the Chinese young two together? How do you solve these prob- people get on the Internet and go all over lems? the world looking for information, this is, I Very often there’s not any simple answer. think a very important development. And people feel better just to know that their

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views are heard, their concerns are heard, The President. Well, I think the short an- and that there can be a discussion where peo- swer to your question is, yes, the world needs ple work together toward the answers. So I a leader, but not in the sense of one country think this whole democratic process, in my telling everyone else what to do. That is, let’s view, is very, very important to make society take something that didn’t happen in Asia. work when things are changing as quickly as If you look at the problem, the civil war they are now. in Bosnia, the terrible problem in Bosnia, we had the military resources to work with Comparison to President Jiang NATO our military allies in Europe, to move Q. Now, Mr. President, you’ve obviously in and stop the war. Because we were the made very indepth observations of China largest party to NATO, if we hadn’t been today. You mentioned a lot of the problems willing to take the initiative, it wouldn’t have that this society is dealing with today. For happened. On the other hand, we couldn’t instance, state-owned enterprise reforms and have done it alone. We had to have people so on and so forth. So whose job do you think work with us. is tougher, if you have to make a comparison, I’ll give you another example. We want to yours or President Jiang Zemin’s? do everything we can to end the stalemate The President. Oh, I don’t know. I think between North and South Korea. But if that he faces enormous challenges here at China had not been willing to work with us, home of a scope that Americans have a hard I don’t think we could have started these time imagining. Probably the only element four-party talks again or we would be very of my job which is more difficult right now effective in urging North Korea and South is that since the cold war is over and America Korea to talk directly. But because we can has this role which is temporary—it won’t work with China, we can have more influ- last forever—as the only superpower in the ence. world, I have a lot of work to do to deal with Here, I come to China, and I say, we want America’s challenges and problems at home to be your friends; we share the security in- and then to try to get the American people terest, and we’re working together with India to support our Nation doing what we should and Pakistan on the nuclear tests; we’re do as a force for peace and prosperity and working to stop the transfer of dangerous stability around the world. weapons; we’re working to cooperate in envi- So our people have normally been rather ronmental projects; and we know we have like the Chinese people, you know—we want differences, and I want to tell you why I be- to attend to our own affairs and not be so lieve in religious freedom or political free- involved in the rest of the world unless we dom. If you think about it, that’s a leadership just had to be, throughout the last 200 years. issue for the United States. But the success But in the last 50 years, we’ve learned that of the leadership depends upon having a we can only succeed at home if we have posi- partnership with China. tive relationships around the world—which So it’s a different sort of world leadership is the main reason I wanted to come to than in the past where it’s just a question China. of who has the biggest army gets to send a list of instructions to another country, and U.S. Leadership in the World you think it will be done. That’s not the way Q. Now, allow me to follow up on that, the world works now. You have to have— Mr. President. You mentioned America is the sometimes you have to stand strong for what only superpower left for now in the world. you believe in, in terms of sending the sol- And America’s leadership role in the world diers into Bosnia or imposing economic sanc- has often been talked about in domestic poli- tions on South Africa, as both China and the tics, if not sometimes in international occa- U.S. did in the time of apartheid. But most sions, too. Now, in your opinion, does the days you get more done by finding a way world today need a leader, and, if so, how to engage countries and work with them and should the United States assume the respon- persuade them that you’re doing the right sibility and why? thing. It’s important to have allies in the

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world we live in—to be more cooperative, One is, it eliminates the prospect that even from a leader’s point of view you have there will ever be a mistaken launch of a nu- to have allies and people that will work with clear weapon. Second, it’s a great con- you. fidence-building measure. It’s a symbol, if Q. According to my understanding, Mr. you will, of the growing friendship of the two President, the role of America in the world, countries, and it should make other countries I mean, the United States in the world, in in the Asia-Pacific region relax a little. And, international affairs is not, as some people third, since India and Pakistan did these nu- believe or argue, the role of world cop ac- clear tests, it reaffirms that we believe that’s cording to your understanding? not the right way to go. We should be moving The President. No. We’re not the world’s away from nuclear weapons, not toward policeman. But sometimes we have to be them. So that’s the first thing. prepared to do things that other countries The second thing is, China has agreed to can’t or won’t do. For example, I think we work with us to stop the transfer of tech- did absolutely the right thing these last sev- nologies to countries that might misuse it, eral years to insist that we keep economic to not assist unsafeguarded nuclear facilities sanction on Iraq until they give up their like Pakistan’s, and to consider joining the weapons of mass destruction program. I worldwide system that prevents the expor- think we did the right thing to go into Bosnia. tation of dangerous technologies. So that’s I think we did the right thing to restore de- important. mocracy in Haiti. We announced more efforts on our energy But most times the problems cannot be and environmental initiative. This is very im- solved by military means. And most times, portant, you know. You have long-related even if we take initiative, we should be trying problems with the number one health prob- to create a world in the 21st century, where lem in China because of air pollution. Your there is a structure where peace and prosper- major waterways have pollution; the water ity and the ability to solve new problems— table is down. We have to find a way to grow like the environmental problems—where the economy and replenish the environment. that kind of structure works, and where you So this—I predict to you 10 years from now minimize weapons of mass destruction, drug people will look back and say that’s one of trafficking, ethnic wars, like we had from the biggest things they did; they agreed to Rwanda to the Middle East to Northern Ire- work more there. We agreed to deepen our land. cooperation in science and technology where And so the United States’ role, I think, is we’ve already achieved a lot together. So I to try to create a structure where more likely think in all these areas this is important. than not the right things will be done when There is a huge potential benefit to the problems arise—not to just do it all ourselves Chinese people and, therefore, to the Amer- or tell other people what to do. ican people in the rule of law project we’re doing where we’re working with Chinese people to set up the right kind of legal proce- Achievements of the China Visit dures to deal with all the questions that are Q. Okay, Mr. President, let’s come back going to come up as you privatize the econ- to your trip in China. Now you have already omy. For example, my wife met the other finished, let’s say, already you have been in day, I think in Beijing—— China for almost one week. What do you Q. Beijing University. think are the major achievements through The President. ——yes, and she was tell- your trip here? ing me about a case that was raised where The President. I think there are several. a woman was divorced from her husband be- First of all, in the whole area of nonprolifera- cause there had been problems in the home. tion, the fact that we have agreed not to tar- And they had one child, but they couldn’t get nuclear weapons at each other is very im- move out of the home, even though they had portant. It’s important for, I think, three rea- a divorce, because the house came to the sons. husband through his job.

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So as you change the society there will fines it, where we should go from here. But have to be all kinds of legal changes made. if you back up 3 years ago, we’ve made sig- And I think if we work together on that, I nificant progress in both those areas. And if think we can find a way to enhance freedom you back up 5 years ago, we had a lot of and stability. So all these things are impor- difference in the proliferation area, most of tant. which have been eliminated. But finally, I think that in the end it may So there’s been a lot of progress in this be that the biggest achievement was the in- relationship in the last 51⁄2 years. And I would creased understanding and the sense of a say to the people of China and the people shared future. I mean, I think the press con- of the United States, the world is not too ference that President Jiang and I did will small for two big countries; it is a small world, be viewed as historic for a long time to come. and we should all act that way. That should And the fact that he wanted to do it, he en- make us both more responsible, with a great- joyed it, and it was on national television, I er sense of responsibility for our own people, think was very important. for our partnership with each other, and for the rest of the world, as well. China-U.S. Relations Q. And I think Chinese people and Amer- President’s Visit to China ican people enjoyed that. Q. Now, Mr. President, you mentioned The President. I think so. So I think it’s the areas of differences between China and a very productive trip. the United States. However, do you think Q. Now, Mr. President, you mentioned that this trip to China has helped you under- the achievements in the last several areas, stand why China is the way China is? for instance, detargeting of nuclear missiles The President. Oh, absolutely. There’s no at each other and cooperation in scientific question about that. And I hope that this trip and environmental areas, and increased un- to China has helped the Chinese people un- derstanding. In your joint statements with derstand why Americans are the way we are. President Jiang Zemin, you both also ac- knowledged that China and the United States have areas of disagreement. In one word, you China’s Youth and Chelsea Clinton’s have agreed to agree and you have agreed Impressions to disagree. Q. Mr. President, we have noticed that Now, in your opinion, in the world today, your daughter, Chelsea, accompanied you to China is now the largest developing nation Beijing and to all of the China trip, and also and the United States is the largest devel- particularly to the Beijing University when oped nation. For these two nations to have you made the speech. areas of agreements and disagreements, how The President. Yes. should they develop their relationship? Is the Q. And in your speech, high hope was world too small for two large nations? placed on the young generation of both The President. No. No. For one thing, China and the United States. And we won- in every relationship, in every business part- dered whether Chelsea—did Chelsea ever nership, in every family, in every enterprise mention to you her impression of the Chi- you have agreements and disagreements. I’ll nese youth in her interaction with the Chi- bet you at your station you have agreements nese college students? and disagreements. So what you have to do The President. Oh, yes, she very much is you identify your agreements and then you wanted to come here. She wanted to make identify your disagreements, and then you this trip, and her university work was con- say, here’s how we’re going to deal with cluded in time for her to be able to come. these. And you keep working to try to bridge But she has very much enjoyed getting out, the gap. meeting young Chinese people, and seeing Our major differences are in trade, over what’s going on. She said to me just yesterday some terms of trade issues, and in the human how incredibly exciting she thought Shanghai rights area, how we define it, how China de- was and how she wished she could stay here

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a while when we leave and go back, just to A tape was not available for verification of the see more of it. content of this interview. And I think any young person in the world coming here would be excited by it and would be excited to see how eager the young Remarks to the Building Chinese people are to build good lives for Construction and Finance themselves, to learn more about the rest of Community in Shanghai the world. The hunger for knowledge and July 1, 1998 for the improvement of one’s capacity to do things among these young people is truly Thank you very much, Vice Mayor Zhou; amazing. The energy they generate is aston- Deputy Magistrate Wang; to developer Gu ishing, and it makes me feel very hopeful Cai Xin; to the Tang family, whose home the about the future. Members of the U.S. Congress visited; and to Ms. Yu and her family, who were very kind Meetings With President Jiang to take me into their home; and to all of you. Q. One last question, Mr. President. Do It’s a pleasure to be here today. you think that your conversation with Presi- I would like to begin by thanking the Folk dent Jiang face-to-face in such a summit is Music Band for the wonderful music. Thank easier than the hotline, which has to go over you very much. And I would like to say to the Pacific? all of you who are moving into new homes, The President. Oh, yes, always better. I Gong xi, gong xi. Congratulations. think face-to-face is always better. But I also More than 20 years ago, I bought my first believe that once you get to know someone home. I actually bought it because my and you feel comfortable with them—you girlfriend liked the house. [Laughter] We know, President Jiang and I have a very were driving by the house one day—it was friendly relationship, and it permits us to deal a very small house—and she said, ‘‘I like that with all these issues so that the hotline then house very much.’’ So I found out the house becomes very useful. did not cost too much money, and I bought If we were strangers, for example, the hot- it. And then I said to my girlfriend, ‘‘I bought line would not be so helpful because it would that house you like; now you’ll have to marry be awkward. But when there’s a problem, me.’’ [Laughter] And she did. So I hope that as there was with the nuclear tests—and I your homes bring you as much joy as mine didn’t want to wait until I got to China to did 23 years ago. talk to President Jiang about how we should I came here with your local officials and respond to the India and Pakistani nuclear Ambassador Sasser and Ambassador Li and tests, so I called him on the hotline. And be- the Members of Congress to emphasize the cause we had already met several times and importance of homeownership to the future we felt—and he had had this very successful of the people of China and to the prosperity state visit to the United States, the hotline of your country. As you could see from what was very, very important, very helpful. So I Ms. Yu said, owning a home is a source of think the telephone is important. The Inter- pride to a family and a tribute to its industry net is important. All communications can be and hard work. But all China benefits from good, but none of it can take the place of more homeowners because that means more face-to-face communications. jobs, a stronger economy, stronger families. Q. Thank you very much for giving us this And of course, when people own their own opportunity to sit together with you face-to- homes, they are free to take new jobs without face. Thank you very much. worrying about losing housing benefits. We The President. Thank you. also see around the world that homeowners take more responsibility for the communities NOTE: The interview began at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the Shanghai Stock Exchange and was em- in which they live. bargoed for release until 7:30 p.m. by the Office In America, we have worked hard to ex- of the Press Secretary. In his remarks, the Presi- pand the dream of homeownership, and dent referred to Mayor Xu Kuangdi of Shanghai. today, 65 percent of all Americans—an all-

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time record—live in homes that they own. are not aware that they have this disease until This has made our country stronger, and I they have a broken bone or fracture. I am know greater homeownership will also extremely pleased that the First Lady, Mrs. strengthen China. Because we want to sup- Gore, and Secretary Shalala will be helping port greater homeownership, I am proud to to publicize this new benefit to help women announce today that we are creating a U.S.- detect this disease early. Also, the new diabe- China residential building council to pro- tes benefit is critical to the over 7 million mote new technologies and energy-efficient Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from this materials to build sturdy homes that are af- disease. This benefit is part of our diabetes fordable to live in. initiative that the American Diabetes Asso- Our Department of Commerce will also ciation believes is ‘‘as important to people bring Americans to China to discuss how to with diabetes as the discovery of insulin in build a stronger system of financing homes, 1921.’’ from strengthening property rights to devel- This month marks the 33d anniversary of oping stronger mortgage markets. This will the Medicare program—one of our Nation’s help to make more homes available to more most important commitments to older Amer- Chinese families. icans and people with disabilities. I am ex- I am determined to build a strong partner- tremely pleased that we can strengthen this ship and a good friendship between the important program and help some of our United States and China that will actually most vulnerable Americans stay healthier and make a positive difference in people’s lives. stronger. Congratulations to all of you on your new homes and on the bright futures you are building for your families. Message on the Observance of Thank you very much, and we thank the Independence Day, 1998 weather for holding off until after the event July 1, 1998 is over. [Laughter] Thank you. I am delighted to join my fellow Americans across the nation and around the world in NOTE: The President spoke at 3:47 p.m. in the celebrating Independence Day. Jin Hui Gardens. In his remarks, he referred to Throughout the year, we set aside special Vice Mayor Zhou Muyao of Shanghai; Gu Cai Xin, times to remember and celebrate our dif- Jin Hui Gardens developer; Yu Jianyuan, home- owner; and Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Li ferent ethnic roots. But on Independence Xhaoxing. Day, we rejoice in our common heritage as Americans and in the values and history we share. Statement on New Medicare Benefits We have all benefited from the wisdom July 1, 1998 of our nation’s founders, who crafted a blue- print for democracy that has served us well I am pleased to announce that starting for more than 200 years and continues to in- today Medicare will cover two new preven- spire newly independent nations around the tive benefits to help detect osteoporosis and world. We are all heirs to the rights articu- manage diabetes. These important benefits lated in our Constitution and reaffirmed by were part of the Balanced Budget Act I courageous men and women of every genera- signed into law last year, which contained the tion who have struggled to secure justice and most significant reforms in Medicare since equality for all. We are all forever indebted the program’s enactment in 1965. to the millions of Americans in uniform who Medicare’s new prevention benefits will have shed their blood to defend our freedom provide older Americans the tools they need and preserve our values across America and to fight some of our most devastating chronic around the globe. diseases. While one out of two women over But we Americans are bound together not the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-relat- only by a shared past, but also by a common ed fracture during her lifetime, many women future. Blessed with peace and prosperity, we

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have an unprecedented opportunity to pre- eral Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 pare for the challenges of the next century: U.S.C. App.), and in order to celebrate the to keep America free and secure, to improve role of women in American history, it is here- health care and education, to bring the op- by ordered as follows: portunities of the Information Age into every Section 1. Establishment. There is estab- home and classroom, and to strengthen the lished the President’s Commission on the bonds of our national community as we grow Celebration of Women in American History more racially and ethnically diverse. (‘‘Commission’’). The Commission shall be On this Independence Day, as we cele- composed of not more than 11 members ap- brate our rights and freedoms and look for- pointed by the President from the public and ward to a new century of limitless possibili- private sectors. The public sector members ties, Hillary joins me in wishing you a won- shall include such persons as the President derful Fourth of July. deems appropriate, including (a) the Assist- Bill Clinton ant to the President and Director of Commu- nications and (b) a person recommended by and who shall be the representative of the Letter to Congressional Leaders Administrator of General Services. The Transmitting a Report on the President may designate two members as Co- Conventional Armed Forces in Chairs of the Commission. The private sector Europe Treaty members shall represent entities interested in the Commission’s work on American his- July 1, 1998 tory, particularly the history of women in Dear lllll: America. These entities may include, but In accordance with Condition (14)(B) of need not be limited to, academic institutions, the resolution of advice and consent to ratifi- business entities, labor organizations, public cation of the Document Agreed Among the interest organizations, arts and humanities States Parties to the Treaty on Conventional institutions, State and local governments, Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) of Novem- athletic groups, and organizations devoted to ber 19, 1990, adopted by the Senate of the civil rights and opportunities for minorities United States on May 14, 1997, enclosed is and women. The private sector members the Report on CFE Treaty Designated Per- shall not be considered special Government manent Storage Sites (DPSS). employees. The Report is provided in both a classified Sec. 2. Functions. (a) The Commission and unclassified form. shall make recommendations to the Presi- Sincerely, dent, through the Co-Chairs of the Commis- sion, on ways to best acknowledge and cele- William J. Clinton brate the roles and accomplishments of women in American history. Recommenda- NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Newt Ging- tions may include, among other things, the rich, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Richard A. Gephardt, House minority leader; and feasibility of a focal point for women’s history Jesse Helms, chairman, and Joseph R. Biden, Jr., located in Washington, D.C., and the use of ranking member, Senate Committee on Foreign the latest technology to connect existing and Relations. planned women’s history sites, museums, and libraries. (b) The Commission shall meet to carry Executive Order 13090—President’s out its work concerning the celebration of Commission on the Celebration of women in American history. Women in American History (c) The Commission shall report its rec- June 29, 1998 ommendations, through the Co-Chairs of the Commission, in a final report to the Presi- By the authority vested in me as President dent by March 1, 1999. by the Constitution and the laws of the Sec. 3. Administration. (a) The heads of United States of America, including the Fed- executive departments and agencies shall, to

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the extent permitted by law and where prac- tus for Mongolia and certain other activities ticable, provide the Co-Chairs of the Com- without the requirement of an annual waiver. mission with such information with respect As required by law, I am submitting an to women’s history in America as the Co- updated report to Congress concerning the Chairs may request. emigration laws and policies of Mongolia. (b) Members of the Commission shall You will find that the report indicates contin- serve without compensation for their work ued Mongolian compliance with U.S. and on the Commission. While engaged in the international standards in the area of emigra- work of the Commission, members ap- tion. pointed from the private sector may be al- Sincerely, lowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for William J. Clinton persons serving intermittently in Govern- ment service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707). NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Newt Ging- (c) To the extent permitted by law and rich, Speaker of the House of Representatives, subject to the availability of appropriations, and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Sec- the General Services Administration shall retary on July 2. provide the Commission with funding, ad- ministrative services, facilities, staff, and other support services necessary for the per- Remarks in a Roundtable Discussion formance of the functions of the Commis- With Environmental Specialists in sion. With respect to the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall per- Guilin, China form the administrative functions of the July 2, 1998 President under the Federal Advisory Com- [The discussion is joined in progress.] mittee Act, as amended, except that of re- porting to the Congress. Participant. ——the local government to (d) The Commission shall terminate 60 stop the logging. But the local government days after the submission of its final report. is so poor, they ask for compensation. And William J. Clinton then finally, the central Government agreed to give them 11 million RMB per year to The White House, stop the logging. June 29, 1998. The President. Good. Participant. So, now, well, for the time [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, being, the monkeys are safe. This is one thing 3:34 p.m., June 30, 1998] we have done. And I brought with me a pic- NOTE: This Executive order was released by the ture of the monkeys and will give it to you Office of the Press Secretary on July 2 and it was as a gift. published in the Federal Register on July 2. The President. Oh, thank you. Participant. So this is the only red-lipped primate besides human beings. And the total Letter to Congressional Leaders number of it is less than 12—— Transmitting a Report on Most- The President. My cousins. [Laughter] Favored-Nation Status for Mongolia How many total number? July 1, 1998 Participant. Less than 1,200. The President. You know, in our country Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) we have exactly the same issue. We have, On September 4, 1996, I determined and in the Pacific Northwest and the West—Cali- reported to the Congress that Mongolia was fornia, Oregon, Washington—the U.S., we ‘‘not in violation of’’ the freedom of emigra- have—about 90 percent of our old-growth tion criteria of sections 402 and 409 of the forest is gone. So now we have a law, a na- Trade Act of 1974. This action allowed for tional law on endangered species, and it also the continuation of most-favored-nation sta- protects the forest.

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And we still have some logging in the for- there were lots of trees, not only trees down est, but you can’t go in and just cut all the the street but trees up against the buildings. trees down. You have to be very careful, tree So we’re looking at whether in our country by tree, as the aging process goes, because we should be supporting more of these tree I don’t know how old the trees are, but these planting operations in the cities because they trees in the U.S. sometimes take 200 years do much more to clean the air than we had for full growth. When our native tribes were thought they did. there—Native American tribes—they would [The discussion continued.] only cut the trees after seven generations of growth. And, of course, that’s not enough for The President. Well, one of the things I an industrial society. So now, we have pine think will really help is your government is forest; we just grow them faster. In 20 to moving to ban lead in the gasoline, going to 30 years, they can be harvested. And we try unleaded gasoline. And that will help a great to get people to stay away from the old deal. And that’s a very forward step. growth. But also children’s lungs, they get polluted So, in this case, as I understand it, the pro- with all the things in the atmosphere. And vincial government has the first say, but the you’re right, that will make—smoking will National Government can come in and stop become, interestingly enough, even more it. dangerous, more difficult because of all the Participant. Yes. And actually, the county pollution in the atmosphere. So one of the things that I hope we can government, they own—they run the state do in our partnership with the Chinese Gov- timber companies there. ernment is to work on the technologies that The President. What about tree planting will clean up the air in ways that we have projects, who does that? At what level is that been able to do without hurting the econ- done? omy. We think there are ways to do that. Participant. Well, at different levels. The In fact, one of the things that I hope— central Government, local government, and I’m glad we have one business person here also NGO’s are all involved in this tree plant- because one of the things we have seen is ing. But tree planting is so slow that all these that we have actually created a lot of new older forests—they may have some trees over businesses for cleaning the environment, and 400 years old, and all these newly planted it creates a lot of jobs, provides a lot of oppor- trees are so small, there’s no comparison with tunity for people to get an education and do the forest. this work. The President. I agree with that. Interest- ingly enough, we now believe that tree plant- [The discussion continued.] ing may be most important in cities. We just The President. I believe that China has had a study done in the U.S. which shows a unique opportunity because you’re devel- that a tree planted in a city will take in 10 oping rapidly, but later in time than other times as much carbon dioxide as a tree plant- countries, to avoid some of the terrible mis- ed in the countryside. Now, you say, well, takes we made. And if I could just mention, of course, because that’s where the smog is. in the conservation area, our traditional en- But the important thing is we did not know ergy use that causes pollution is about one- until this study was done that the tree could third in vehicles, transportation; about one- take in 10 times as much and still process third in buildings, both housing and office it. buildings; and about one-third in factories I noticed in Shanghai yesterday—I say this and in powerplants. And I think that if you— because Shanghai, you know, is growing very again, in China, it’s probably more in fac- fast, and they have all these wonderful new tories and powerplants—a bigger percent- buildings—but I drove to one of the building age—probably now, but it will come toward complexes yesterday to meet a family in their these numbers. new home, and I drove past a lot of the old If you just take them each in turn, in the residential areas, and in all the old areas vehicles, you have opportunities that, I think,

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that will come to you because of the develop- heat, recovered from the normal electric gen- ment of fuel injection engines, which will erating capacity. take 80 percent of the pollution away, or nat- So these are things that we would like to ural gas-powered vehicles, which, I think, are work with you on, because these are all mis- worth looking at. takes Americans made that we had to go back In the residential areas—yesterday in and undo. But since China is now building Shanghai, I spoke to the American Chamber new factories, building new powerplants, of Commerce in Shanghai, and there on a building new homes, selling new cars—if you visit was the businessman who is the head can do these things in the proper way the of our homebuilders association in the whole first time, you will have undreamed of effi- U.S. Just a few weeks ago, we went to Cali- ciencies. And it will help the economy, not fornia, which has a warm climate like much hurt it. of China, and we started—we announced a So I thank you for what you’re doing. low-cost housing project for people with [A participant noted the improvement of modest incomes. And in these houses, they water and air quality in Guilin since the have solar panels that now look like ordinary 1970’s, discussed the city’s current environ- shingles on the roof and can be produced mental problems, and noted the impact of and sold for very little money, but they save tourism on energy. The participant con- huge amounts of money—energy. You know, cluded by expressing the hope that coopera- then the powerplant can be used to power tion on environmental issues between the the country’s industry if you use it. They have U.S. and China would improve owing to the windows which let in more light but keep President’s visit.] out more heat and cold. Now, they cost a The President. One of the things we little more, but over a 10-year period, they find—I’d like to ask Mr. Kong to talk next save huge amounts of energy. and then come back to Mr. Zhou, because All these things could be jobs for Chinese I want to pursue this. I think it’s a very good people coming out of the state-owned enter- thing if one business does the right thing prises. Someone could come in and start here, but if you don’t have legislation, some- making these solar panels that go on the roof, times it can be unfair to one business. Be- someone should start making these windows. cause if one business does the right thing and They have light bulbs that cost—in our coun- the others don’t, then the business that’s the try, they cost twice as much, but they last most responsible could have a hard time 4 or 5 times longer, and they don’t emit the making a profit. But if everyone in the prov- same amount of pollution. ince or country has to do it, then everyone And then, finally, in the manufacturing in- is in the same footing. dustries, there are whole businesses in Amer- I would like to ask two questions. One is, ica—like you said, they make money going if you were to adopt legislation, say, limiting into these plants and saying, here are 100 the discharge of factories into the water and things you can do and you will cut your en- requiring that it be treated, would it be done ergy use by 20 percent and increase your at the provincial level or the national level? profits by 20 percent. And in powerplants, And two, are there funds available from the in our old powerplants, as much as 70 per- National Government to help communities cent of the energy that goes in them, as you like Guilin finance sewage treatment centers know, is lost in waste heat. So now we have for the tourists or for the people who live huge facilities in America being heated and here? cooled with the waste heat. Because 20 years ago in the United States, I was in a cafe yesterday in Shanghai that this was a horrible problem. And I grew up had a picture of a famous American basket- in a little town—a town not so little, about ball player, Michael Jordan. Everybody 35,000—that had 3 lakes. And the lake with knows who he is. Almost no one knows that the largest number of people living on it and the United Center where he plays basketball the largest number of tourists was totally pol- is completely heated and powered by waste luted. But we could not afford to fix it. But

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the National Government said—they gave us about the tourists—if you want the tourists over time about 65 percent of the cost of to come to Guilin, you have to have a clean it, and we came up with the rest, and we environment. If you want a stronger econ- cleaned up the lake. So now the children can omy, you have to produce healthy children. swim there. People don’t get sick if they in- So at some point we have to see these things gest the water. But we had to have some together. help. Where would the laws come from, pro- Participant. The problem right now is the vincial or national level? And is there now fee or the penalty is too light. a fund which helps you with the sewage treat- The President. Too light? ment? Participant. So a lot of our experts sug- gest to raise the penalty for the polluters. [A participant responded that China has na- tional legislation governing water and air [A participant noted the difference on the em- pollution, noise control, marine environment, phasis placed on enforcement of environ- and wildlife protection. In addition, provin- mental laws in the U.S. and China.] cial level legislation also exists. The partici- The President. Do you believe—let me pant noted that all factories comply to the ask you this, do you believe that most ordi- same standards and explained that most nary Chinese people believe that the envi- funding comes from the National Govern- ronmental standards should be raised, that ment, but it is supplemented by some local they basically support a strong environmental taxation and factory fees. ] policy? The President. It can be more stringent? Participant. I think this public awareness Participant. Can be more stringent. It is still not so strong, so public should be edu- only can be more stringent. cated, make them know they have a right to The President. But not weaker? That’s that. good, yes. The President. That goes back to what Participant. But funds from the central Mr. Liang says about educating the public. Government, basically—the investment for Mr. Kong, why did you clean up your fac- the environment basically is the responsibil- tory if you didn’t have to do it? ity for the local government, including fees. Kong Fanjian, founder and president, The central Government gave them a little [ Liquan Brewery, described himself as an en- money. It basically is not a common case. trepreneur and offered the view that business The reason is that—so in this case the central must make a profit, but it must also protect Government gave them some money. But ba- the environment in which it operates. He re- sically it was provided by themselves, locally. counted how his company asked its share- The President. You actually—you’re a holders not to accept their dividends until it lawyer, and you helped to write these laws, could develop a waste treatment facility to right? [Laughter] So what do you think the keep from damaging the Li River. His com- next step should be? What is the next most pany has invested in many environmental important thing to be done? projects but has yet to turn a profit. Mr. Kong Participant. I think the central Govern- expressed the need for more public awareness ment should provide some additional funding and assistance from the National Govern- to local government—is my personal will. ment. And—[inaudible]—people, they share the ] same idea. But we have some different ideas The President. I know we have to go out from the economic people, from—[inaudi- to the program, but I wanted to give every ble]—people. So we still have different views one of you a chance to say—is there any spe- and positions on this issue. cific thing that you believe that I could do The President. Let me say, in our country or the United States could do in partnership there is still a big fight over every new step, with China that would be most helpful to because there are always people who are you in what you’re trying to achieve? If you afraid that if we take a new step, it will hurt were to ask us to go back and work with the the economy. But in the end—he talked Chinese Government on one thing that we

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could do or with our business people on one they’re wrong or unfair or they made a mis- thing to be helpful, what would it be? take or they think they have a cheaper way to do the same thing, well, they have a way A participant suggested more direct commu- [ to go into the courts, and we examine that. nication between American and Chinese en- So there has to be—I agree with you, that vironmentalists, rather than merely in gov- will be a part of it. ernment circles. The participant felt the Chi- What else? Anybody else want to say what nese could benefit from the maturity of the you think of that? Yes, Mr. Zhou. American environmental movement and sug- gested an educational television program be [A participant suggested the President could produced.] support Chinese environmentalists in achiev- The President. So you think, for example, ing an alliance with American business lead- if we could arrange to have some of our lead- ers to promote energy efficiency in China. ers of our environmental groups come here At this point, there was a break in the tran- and meet with citizens like you, you think script, and it picked up with a participant that would be helpful? describing the difficulty of balancing eco- nomic progress and environmental protec- [The participant responded that it would be tion.] helpful and again suggested that an Amer- ican-produced television program on envi- The President. It’s an honest problem, ronmental protection could be used on Chi- too. And in the rural areas in all developed nese national television to broaden public countries, people tend to be poorer. And awareness about environmentally hazardous they have to make their living, they believe, materials, such as one-time-use products.] from natural resources. I told you, we had the same problem with the old-growth for- The President. One-time-use, yes. Yes, I ests, and we had never handled this very well. agree with that. So, in 1993 and ’94, the Congress adopted [The participant then described efforts to at- a plan that I asked them to adopt to provide tract a National Government organization extra funds to these communities which were training center that might provide training making the money from the logging to try for the enforcement of environmental law. to change the basis of their economy. The participant then noted that the U.S. lags To be honest, no one knew whether we far behind Europe and Japan in providing could do it or not. We didn’t know. We assistance to China on environmental issues.] thought we could, but we didn’t know. But I can tell you now, 5 years later, the unem- The President. I agree with that. Give ployment rate in all those communities is that speech to the Congress. Unfortunately, now lower than it was before we started to all the people here from my Congress agree protect the trees. So over a 5-year period, with you, but we believe that the U.S. Con- we were able to do this. And I think it re- gress does not give enough aid in these areas. quires a lot of effort and some money and And I think it is a huge mistake, and I’m a lot of thought and very good, vigorous local always trying to get more. So I will take what leaders. You have to have local leaders who you said and publish it widely when we get have confidence and then people who can home. change, you know. But I think this can be You raised another issue that I think is im- done. portant. We have this rule of law project with China, and my wife met with some people [Liao Xiaoyi, founder, Global Village Cul- earlier in the week about this. But what hap- tural Center, described her women’s non- pens when you have these environmental governmental organization’s focus on sus- laws and the government has to enforce them tainable consumption and children’s edu- is you will always have some honest disputes. cation. Her organization received a grant And so there has to be some way of resolving from the U.S. Environmental Protection them. When our environmental agencies im- Agency and used it to publish a children’s pose regulations, if the companies think environmental guide.]

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The President. Really? Thank you. [Ms. Liao noted that women are an important NOTE: The discussion began at approximately 11 force in the environmental movement because a.m. at Seven Star Park. In his remarks, the Presi- as mothers they care for their children’s fu- dent referred to Liang Congjie, founder, Friends tures. She described her organization’s an- of Nature; Don Martin, president, National Asso- nual forum on women in journalism and the ciation of Home Builders; and Zhou Dadi, direc- environment. She noted that women are con- tor, Beijing Energy Conservation Center. The sumer decisionmakers receptive to ideas such transcript did not include the opening portion of as recycling. She expressed hope that more the discussion. A tape was not available for ver- cooperation between the two nations will be ification of the content of these remarks. promoted by the President’s visit.] The President. Thank you. I agree with Remarks to the People of Guilin that. But interestingly enough, as a result of July 2, 1998 what you’re saying—and that goes back to what Mr. Liang was saying—I think the more Thank you very much. Thank you very awareness the children have about this, and much, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for welcoming the more this is taught in school, the better. us to your community and for your fine re- Because in our country now, I believe that marks. And, Senator Baucus, thank you for the children are the strongest environmental- what you said. I want to thank you and all ists. the Members of the United States Congress You know, when I visit a community in who are here with you. Our American Am- America, suppose I—next week I have to go bassador to China and the Chinese Ambas- to Atlanta, Georgia, when I get back—very sador to the United States and the other often a group of children will meet me at members of the Chinese Government who the airport, and they will bring me letters are here, and especially I’d like to thank that the children have written. Sometimes Chairman Ding for being here and our Sec- they’re 6 years old, these children, very retary of State, Madeleine Albright, and oth- young. And I always look over these letters ers from the White House. We are all de- to see what they’re writing me about. They lighted to be among you in Guilin today. ask me questions, and sometimes they’re, I would also like to express my apprecia- ‘‘How do you like being President,’’ or some- tion to the seven Chinese citizens with whom thing. But there are more letters from chil- I have just met because they are taking an dren age 12 and under on the environment active role in helping to clean up the environ- than any other subject now, for the last sev- ment, either of this area or the entire coun- eral years. try. And I thank them for that, and they’re So when the children begin to ask their all right there. I’d like to ask them to stand parents about this, when they begin to talk up because they spoke for all of China to about this at dinner, when it becomes a con- me today. Please stand. [Applause] cern for the children, and then when the And since we’re here to talk about saving mothers are concerned about their health, I the environment, I want to thank Ambas- think it can change a country. No American sador Li for giving me this energy-efficient official can talk to any group of school- air conditioner. [Laughter] children for 10 minutes without being asked Since Chinese civilization first began to ex- about the environment. It’s an amazing thing. press itself thousands of years ago, its poems The children are sort of out there. and paintings have sung of the beauty of the Well, I suppose we better go do the pro- land, the air, the water. No place in China gram, but this is very helpful. And we have is more evocative of the beauty of your coun- taken careful note of what you have all said, try than Guilin. The stunning mountains and we will try to follow up. And I admire along the Li River are instantly familiar to you all very much, and I thank you for what millions and millions of Americans. When we you’re doing. It will help not only the Chi- see them, the landscapes of Guilin remind nese people, but all the rest of us as well. us of China’s past, but we know they are

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alive, and we are grateful for their preserva- inces and the National Government are tion. doing more to clean up rivers. Chinese sci- A new sense of cooperation is building be- entists are fighting deforestation and soil ero- tween the people of China and the people sion. And citizens are doing more to promote of the United States, based on our shared public education about the environment ties of commerce and culture, our common among families and especially among chil- security interests, and our common enthu- dren. siasm for the future. But a big part of that The United States is determined to cooperation must rest on our common un- strengthen our cooperation with you. Last derstanding that we live on the same planet, year our Vice President, Al Gore, and the sharing the same oceans, and breathing the Chinese Government launched a forum to same air. coordinate sustainable development and en- Not so many years ago in the United vironmental protection. In October at our States, one of our rivers was so polluted it summit, President Jiang and I oversaw the actually caught on fire. Foul air blanketed beginning of a joint initiative on clean energy. our cities; acid rain blighted our landscape. This week we have made important new Over the last generation, we have worked progress. We will provide China assistance hard to restore our natural treasures and to to monitor air quality. We will increase our find a way to conduct our economy that is support for programs that support renewable more in harmony with the environment. energy sources to decrease China’s depend- China’s extraordinary growth has put the ence on coal. same kind of pressures on your environment, We are helping China develop its coal gas- and the costs of growth are rising right along ification and working with the Chinese to with your prosperity. You know better than make financing available for clean energy I that polluted air and water are threatening projects through the Export-Import Bank. your remarkable progress. Smog has caused Because the United States and China are the entire Chinese cities to disappear from sat- world’s two largest emitters of greenhouse ellite photographs. And respiratory illness is gases that are dangerously warming our plan- China’s number one health problem. et, we must do more to avoid increasing se- We also know that more and more envi- vere droughts and floods and the other kinds ronmental problems in the United States, in of destructive things that will occur. China, and elsewhere are not just national Let me say, Mr. Mayor, I want to extend problems, they are global problems. We must my sympathies to you on behalf of the Amer- work together to protect the environment, ican people for the families who suffered and there is a great deal that we can do to- losses in the recent flooding here. It occurred gether. just a few days ago, and some of our young China has the world’s longest meteorologi- Americans were already here working on the cal records, going back over 500 years. They trip. They were honored to be able to work help us clearly to understand the problem with you in some of the sandbagging and of global warming. The 5 warmest years since other things that were done. But we grieve the 15th century have all been in the 1990’s; with you in the losses that were sustained. 1997 was the warmest year ever recorded. We cannot completely eliminate floods And if present trends continue, 1998 will and fires and other natural disasters, but we break the record. We know that if this trend know they will get worse if we do not do continues, it will bring more and more severe something about global warming. There are weather events, and it will disrupt the lives many people who simply don’t believe that of hundreds of millions of people in the anything can be done about it because they world during the coming century. don’t believe that you can grow an economy China is already taking impressive steps to unless you use energy in the same way Amer- protect its future. Leaded gasoline is being ica and Europe have used it for the last 50 banned. Inefficient stoves have been up- years—more and more energy, more and graded. People can find out about air quality more pollution to get more and more growth. from newspapers. Communities and prov- That’s what they believe. But I disagree.

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Without any loss of economic opportunity, Like the reunification itself just a year and we can conserve energy much more than we one day ago, our first anniversary was a day do; we can use clean as opposed to dirty en- of great pride—pride in that, after 156 years ergy sources much more than we do; and of separation, we are at last reunited with we can adopt new technologies to make the our own country. energy we have go further much more than We are Chinese, and like you Americans, we do. our patriotic feeling is something very natural Now is the time to join our citizens and to us. We were saddened by China’s past hu- our governments, our businesses and our in- miliation, and rejoice and take pride in her dustries, in the fight against pollution and improving fortune today. As we welcome the global warming, even as we fight for a bright- 21st century, we are confident China will be er economic future for the people of China more open and more prosperous and will and the people of the entire world. play an increasingly important and respon- As we move forward together let us, Chi- sible role in world affairs in the interdepend- nese and Americans, preserve what we have ent global community. inherited from the past, and in so doing, pre- Yesterday was our first anniversary, and serve the future we are working so hard to like all birthdays it was time for some reflec- build for our children. tion—to contemplate the challenges that lie Thank you very much. ahead and how to achieve a brighter future NOTE: The President spoke at 12:22 p.m. on the for our community. Strengthening our ties Camel Hill Lawn in Seven Star Park. In his re- with the United States is an important ele- marks, he referred to Mayor Cai Yong Lin of ment in this quest. Guilin; U.S. Ambassador to China James M. Your landmark visit to our country over Sassar; Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Li this past week and your summit with Presi- Xhaoxing; Ding Zongyi, chairman, Chinese Chil- dent Jiang Zemin bring with it the prospect dren’s Medical Society; and President Jiang Zemin of a new era of stability, prosperity, and of China. A tape was not available for verification peace in the Asia-Pacific region and indeed of the content of these remarks. in the whole world. As you yourself noted earlier this month, and here I quote: ‘‘A sta- Remarks at a Reception Hosted by ble, open, prosperous China that assumes its Chief Executive C.H. Tung in Hong responsibilities for building a more peaceful Kong Special Administrative Region, world is clearly and profoundly in our inter- China est. On that point, all Americans agree,’’ end of quote. We in Hong Kong also agree. July 2, 1998 We’re immensely pleased to see a deepen- Chief Executive Tung. President Clin- ing of the U.S.-Sino relationship. I’m certain ton, Mrs. Clinton, distinguished guests, la- that your visit heralds the beginning of a new dies and gentlemen. First of all, Mr. Presi- chapter of cooperation between the two great dent, may I, on behalf of all the Hong Kong countries. people, extend our sincerest and warmest For obvious reasons, stable and cordial welcome to you and to Mrs. Clinton. It is Sino-U.S. relations are of enormous benefit indeed a great pleasure and a unique honor and importance to us here in Hong Kong. to see you here in Hong Kong, the first serv- At the same time, the excellent relationship ing U.S. President to make such a visit. And between Hong Kong and the United States although your time here is very short, I hope I believe can help to engender a deeper mu- you and Mrs. Clinton will leave with memo- tual understanding and respect between Chi- ries to last you a lifetime. nese and American people. Mr. President, as you know, your visit The fact is, we are Chinese and have been comes at an especially significant time in brought up in Chinese tradition and values. Hong Kong’s history. We are celebrating our We are proud of our heritage and our cul- first anniversary as a Special Administrative ture. But at the same time, many of us have Region of the People’s Republic of China. received the benefit of education in the

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United States and we respect the long-held mainland, together with traditional prudent beliefs and traditions of the American peo- financial management, sound banking sys- ple. tem, huge foreign exchange reserve that sup- Mr. President, almost 10 months ago, I ports a stable exchange rate, we continue to had the pleasure of meeting you and your look forward to our future with confidence. top advisers in the Oval Office of the White Mr. President, what started as a regional House. I was deeply touched by your very crisis has taken on global significance which warm welcome that you afforded me and my needs a global solution. Furthermore, a sta- colleagues, and impressed by your genuine ble yen exchange rate and a healthy Japanese interest in the knowledge of China and of economy is essential not only for the financial Hong Kong. I assured you then, as I assure stability of Asia but also for the world as a you now, and as I hope you will see for your- whole. self on this visit, that the unique concept of In these aspects, we are looking towards ‘‘one country, two systems’’ is working and you for your continued strong leadership, working well. which you alone can provide. While Asia re- This past year has been tremendous and mains in economic doldrums, the United historic for Hong Kong and for our 61⁄2 mil- States is enjoying tremendous economic suc- lion people. The eyes of the world have not cess. Inflationary pressure has vanished. Un- averted their gaze since our national and SAR employment is at historical low level. And regional flag were hoisted on the stroke of much talked about budget deficit has been midnight on June 30th last year. But they erased. have been transfixed by events we did not The American multinational today is lean, see coming, rather than those so confidently efficient, and competitive. The United States predicted by skeptics before reunification. is truly playing a world leadership role in the Were we simply to content ourselves with financial and economic arena. Much of this making a success of ‘‘one country, two sys- has been achieved, sir, under your leadership tems,’’ then I deeply believe we would have and during your Presidency. On the world few, if any, detractors. Indeed, the central stage, despite mounting interest group pres- Government leaders are determined to en- sures and ongoing differences between sure the successful implementation of the China and the United States, you have coura- Basic Law. And just yesterday, at our first geously stepped forward to lay the founda- anniversary celebration, both President Jiang tion for a strategic partnership between the Zemin and Vice Premier Qian have re- two countries. A long-term relationship be- affirmed such determination. We in Hong tween U.S. and China, based on mutual trust, Kong, too, are determined to ensure the con- respect, and benefit, is undoubtedly in the cept of ‘‘one country, two systems,’’ which interests of China, the United States, and in- is enshrined in the Basic Law, be fully imple- deed the whole world. mented. We will also gradually evolve our The continued economic vitality of the political structure, with universal suffrage our United States and the constructive relation- ultimate objective, in full accordance with ship between our sovereign and the United the timetable laid down by the Basic Law States are both matters of great importance and what is in the best interest of the people to us in Hong Kong. Mr. President, you were of Hong Kong. recently quoted by a publication here in Asia This past year has brought to the region as saying, and here I quote: ‘‘If the choice unprecedented financial turmoil, which is was between making a symbolic point and still sending waves of uncertainty across the a real difference, I choose to make a real world. In Hong Kong, our economy has also difference,’’ end of quote. been severely damaged by this turmoil. In- Mr. President, you have made such dif- deed, Hong Kong is presently undergoing a ference on these important issues, and in painful adjustment, which is essential if we Hong Kong we appreciate very much what are to continue to be competitive. However, you have done. Mr. President, Americans with the entrepreneurial spirit of the Hong have commercial, cultural, and family ties in Kong people, expanding economy of the Hong Kong, stretching back over a century

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and a half. The American community in But I saw your brilliant new airport, and Hong Kong, the largest expatriate business I was reminded that, indeed, in spite of the group in the SAR, underlines the fact that present difficulties in Asia, Hong Kong is still Hong Kong is America’s closest business very much a city that is becoming. That is partner here in Asia. I extend to you and to also true of America. President Franklin all Americans an open invitation to visit our Roosevelt once said that our freedom was a home, to experience our hospitality, and to never-ending seeking for better things. Hong join hands with us across the Pacific to forge Kong shows that that is what you are doing an even greater friendship than that which as well. we already know and we cherish. I must say too that I am profoundly appre- Mr. President, thank you very much. ciative to President Jiang and to all others President Clinton. Thank you. Thank you who have helped make this trip to China a very much, Chief Executive Tung, Mrs. remarkably successful attempt to continue to Tung, members of your government, and build our partnership for the future. The citizens of Hong Kong. Hillary and I and our open press conference we had that was tele- delegation, including several Members of the vised to the Chinese people; the opportunity United States Congress and members of our I had to speak to the students at Beijing Uni- Cabinet and other Americans, are all de- versity and to answer their questions, which lighted to be here tonight. were quite pointed and good, I thought, and then to meet with several thousand students Hong Kong is a world symbol of trade, en- outside; the television and radio interviews; terprise, freedom, and global interdepend- the opportunities that Hillary and I had to ence. Visitors come here for fashion and meet with citizens from all walks of life in food. The world consumes your electronic China, all this was encouraging and made me products and your movies. And every Amer- believe that we can build together a future ican who has ever wanted to travel anywhere that is more stable, more prosperous, and has wanted to come to Hong Kong. free. This is, it is true, the first visit to Hong And so I thank you all for giving me the Kong of a President, and it’s a fortuitous one best possible place to end my trip to China. for me that I can come and wish all of you I think that all that Hong Kong is to Ameri- a happy anniversary, but it is not my first cans and to the rest of the world is somehow trip to Hong Kong. My wife and I have both embodied in your Chief Executive. He was been here in our previous lives—or, as we born in Shanghai, raised in Hong Kong, edu- say when we’re back home, back when we cated in England, worked in New York and had a life—[laughter]—and were free people Boston. His children all have U.S. citizenship and could travel, we came to Hong Kong. because they were born there. He’s a fan of Much has changed since we were last here the Liverpool soccer club and the San Fran- more than 10 years ago now. I’m told that cisco 49ers. [Laughter] The world’s city a 7-year-old girl back then was asked what should have a citizen of the world as its chief she thought of Hong Kong and she said it executive. will be a great city once they finish it. I want you to know that the United States [Laughter] Of course, a great city is never considers Hong Kong vital to the future not finished. And this great city has always given only of China and Asia, but of the United me the feeling that it is always becoming States and the world as well. Our ties must something more and new and different. grow stronger, and they will. And this present Indeed, I was privileged, I suppose, to be financial crisis too will pass, if we work to- one of the first people to land at your new gether with discipline and vision to lift the airport tonight coming in. I have to say it fortunes of our neighbors. Believe me, there was a mixed blessing because for those of is no one in America who is not eagerly await- us who have ever sat in a cockpit and landed ing the resumption of real growth and stabil- at your old airport, it was one of the most ity in the Asian economy, and we are pre- exciting and uncertain experiences of my life- pared to do whatever we can to support it. time. [Laughter] We also appreciate what China and Hong

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Kong have done and the price that has been June 29 paid to stabilize the situation. In the evening, the President and Hillary So let us look forward to the future with and Chelsea Clinton traveled to Shanghai. all its vitality and all of its unpredictable June 30 events. Some will be difficult, but most will In the morning, the President and Hillary be very good, if, as I said to President Jiang, and Chelsea Clinton toured the Shanghai Li- we stay on the right side of history. brary. Thank you very much. The President declared a major disaster in Chief Executive Tung. Mr. President, I’d Ohio and ordered Federal aid to supplement like to propose a toast to your health, to Hil- State and local recovery efforts in the area lary’s health, and to the people of the United struck by severe storms, flooding, and torna- States of America. does on June 24 and continuing. [At this point, a toast was offered.] The President declared a major disaster in President Clinton. And I, sir, would like Vermont and ordered Federal aid to supple- to propose a toast to you and Mrs. Tung, ment State and local recovery efforts in the to the people of Hong Kong, and to the fu- area struck by severe storms and flooding be- ture of our rich friendship. ginning on June 17 and continuing. The President announced his intention to NOTE: The President spoke at approximately nominate Robert Patrick John Finn to be 10:05 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Govern- Ambassador to Tajikistan. ment House. In his remarks, he referred to Betty The President announced his intention to Tung, wife of Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung. nominate John Shattuck to be Ambassador Mr. Tung referred to Vice Premier Qian Qichen of China. A tape was not available for verification to the Czech Republic. of the content of these remarks. July 1 In the morning, the President visited an Internet cafe. In the afternoon, he toured the Digest of Other Shanghai Stock Exchange and attended a White House Announcements luncheon for young entrepreneurs. The President declared a major disaster in The following list includes the President’s public West Virginia and ordered Federal aid to schedule and other items of general interest an- supplement State and local recovery efforts nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, not included elsewhere in this issue. and tornadoes beginning on June 26 and con- tinuing. June 27 July 2 In the morning, the President participated In the morning, the President and Hillary in a welcoming ceremony with President Clinton traveled to Guilin. In the afternoon, Jiang Zemin of China in the courtyard at the they took a cruise on the Li River, docking Great Hall of the People in Beijing. for a brief tour of Yucun village and then In the afternoon, the President had a continuing the cruise to Yangshou. Later, working lunch with Premier Zhu Rongji of they returned to Guilin. China. In the evening, the President and Hillary June 28 Clinton traveled to Hong Kong. Later, the In the morning, the President and Hillary President met with Hong Kong Chief Execu- and Chelsea Clinton toured the Forbidden tive C.H. Tung in the dining room of the City. In the afternoon, they traveled to the Government House. Great Wall at Mutianyu, and later, they re- The Vice President announced that the turned to Beijing. President declared a major disaster in Iowa In the evening, the President and Hillary and ordered Federal aid to supplement State Clinton attended a dinner with President and local recovery efforts in the area struck Jiang and his wife, Wang Yeping, at the by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding be- Zhongnanhai Government Compound. ginning on June 13 and continuing.

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The President announced his intention to Released June 27 nominate Bert T. Edwards to be Chief Fi- nancial Officer at the State Department. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- The President announced his intention to retary Mike McCurry, National Security Ad- appoint Ann Lewis and Beth Newburger as viser Samuel Berger, and National Economic Cochairs to the President’s Commission on Council Director Gene Sperling on the the Celebration of Women in American His- President’s visit to China tory and the following individuals as mem- bers: Johnnetta B. Cole, J. Michael Cook, Fact sheet: Achievements of U.S.-China Barbara Goldsmith, Ladonna Harris, Gloria Summit Johnson, Elaine Kim, Ellen Ochoa, Frances Preston, and Anna Roosevelt. Released June 29 The President announced his intention to accord the personal rank of Ambassador to Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Ronald D. Godard in his capacity as Special retary Mike McCurry Representative to the Inter-American Coun- cil of Integral Development at the General Transcript of a press briefing by NSC Senior Assembly of the Organization of American Director for Asian Affairs Sandy Kristoff, States. NSC Director for Asian Affairs Jeff Bader, The President declared a major disaster in Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian Maine and ordered Federal aid to supple- Affairs Stanley Roth, and Deputy Assistant ment State and local recovery efforts in the Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific area struck by severe storms and flooding be- Affairs Susan Shirk on the President’s visit ginning on June 13 and continuing. to China The President declared a major disaster in New Mexico and ordered Federal aid to sup- Transcript of a press briefing by Special Rep- plement State and local recovery efforts in resentative for Presidential Rule of Law Ini- the area threatened by extreme fire hazards tiative Paul Gewirtz, Peace Corps Director on June 29 and continuing. Mark Gearan, Assistant Secretary of Energy The Vice President announced that the Robert Gee, and Professor Alan Turley on President declared a major disaster in New the President’s visit to China Hampshire and ordered Federal aid to sup- plement State and local recovery efforts in Released June 30 the area struck by severe storms and flooding on June 12 and continuing. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Mike McCurry, Secretary of Com- merce Bill Daley, and Special Assistant to Nominations the President for International Economic Submitted to the Senate Policy Lael Brainard on the President’s visit to Shanghai, China NOTE: No nominations were submitted to the Senate during the period covered by this issue. Statement by the Press Secretary: Death of U.N. Special Representative to Angola Maitre Beye Checklist of White House Press Releases Released July 1

The following list contains releases of the Office Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as retary Mike McCurry and Deputy National items not covered by entries in the Digest of Other White House Announcements. Security Adviser Jim Steinberg on the Presi- dent’s visit to China

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Released July 2 Acts Approved by the President Readout by Press Secretary Mike McCurry to the pool NOTE: No acts approved by the President were received by the Office of the Federal Register Fact sheet: Environment Speech and Round- during the period covered by this issue. table

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