    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 19, 1997]
    [Page 179]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Deng Xiaoping
    February 19, 1997

        I was saddened today to learn of the death of Deng Xiaoping, China's
    senior statesman. Over the past two decades, Mr. Deng was an
    extraordinary figure on the world stage and the driving force behind
    China's decision to normalize relations with the United States. His
    historic visit to our country in 1979 laid the foundation for the rapid
    expansion of relations and cooperation between China and the United
    States.
        Mr. Deng's long life spanned a century of turmoil, tribulation, and
    remarkable change in China. He spurred China's historic economic reform
    program, which greatly improved living standards in China and modernized
    much of the nation.
        China today plays an important role in world affairs in no small
    part because of Mr. Deng's decision to open his country to the outside
    world. The continued emergence of China as a great power that is stable
    politically and open economically, that respects human rights and the
    rule of law, and that becomes a full partner in building a secure
    international order, is profoundly in America's interest and in the
    world's interest.
        I want to convey my personal condolences to China's President Jiang
    Zemin, to Mr. Deng's widow, Zhuo Lin, and to the Chinese people.