[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.