    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [October 24, 1995]
    [Page 1675]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters in New York City Prior to Discussions With
    President Jiang Zemin of China
    October 24, 1995

    China-U.S. Relations

        Q. President Jiang, are you still hoping for a promise from
    President Clinton that the Taiwan President will not be allowed to visit
    America again?
        President Jiang. We will discuss this issue. We will--[inaudible]--
    discuss this issue.

    [At this point, one group of reporters left the room, and another group
    entered.]

        Q. Mr. President, will human rights be an issue in your talks today
    with President Jiang?
        President Clinton. We'll talk about a lot of things, but we're just
    meeting. We haven't even had a chance to say anything yet, but we'll
    give you a report later.
        Q. Mr. President, with symbolism being so important with these kind
    of meetings, why would you allow the Chinese to dictate the meeting
    place so they could avoid confronting a Tiananmen Square display?
        President Clinton. The important thing is that we're going to have
    this meeting. It's very important. And we'll have it. It'll be a good
    exchange. And then afterwards we will report about it.
        Q. Well, what is the purpose of this meeting, Mr. President? Is it a
    face-saving gesture on both sides?
        President Clinton. No. These are two great countries that have a
    real interest in maintaining a constructive dialog with each other and,
    wherever possible, a partnership.

    Note: The exchange began at 3:05 p.m. at the Lincoln Center. A tape was
    not available for verification of the content of this exchange.