    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 29, 1997]
    [Pages 1445-1452]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference with President Jiang Zemin of China
    October 29, 1997

        President Clinton. Mr. President, let me again say how pleased we
    are to welcome the leader of a great people with a remarkable
    civilization, history, and culture, a people now with its focus on the
    future. Your visit gives us the opportunity and the responsibility to
    build a future that is more secure, more peaceful, more prosperous for
    both our people.
        To that end, I am pleased that we have agreed to regular summit
    meetings. I look forward to visiting China next year. We also have
    agreed to high-level dialogs between our Cabinet officials on the full
    range of security matters, and we will connect a Presidential hotline to
    make it easier for us to confer at a moment's notice.
        China and the United States share a profound interest in a stable,
    prosperous, open Asia. We've worked well together in convincing North
    Korea to end its dangerous nuclear program. Today President Jiang and I
    agreed we will urge Pyongyang to take part in four-party peace talks
    with South Korea.
        We also agreed to strengthen contacts between our militaries,
    including through a maritime agreement, to decrease the chances of
    miscalculation and increase America's ties to a new generation of
    China's military leaders.
        A key to Asia's stability is a peaceful and prosperous relationship
    between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. I reiterated
    America's longstanding commitment to a ``one China'' policy. It has
    allowed democracy to flourish in Taiwan and provides a framework in
    which all three relationships can prosper--between the United States and
    the PRC, the United States and Taiwan, and Taiwan and the People's
    Republic of China.
        I told President Jiang that we hope the People's Republic of China
    and Taiwan would resume a constructive cross-strait dialog and expand
    cross-strait exchanges. Ultimately, the relationship between the PRC and
    Taiwan is for the Chinese themselves to determine--peacefully.
        President Jiang and I agreed that the United States and China share
    a strong interest in stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction
    and other sophisticated weaponry in unstable regions and rogue states,
    notably Iran. I welcome the steps China has taken and the clear
    assurances it has given today to help prevent the proliferation of
    nuclear weapons and related technology.
        On the basis of these steps and assurances, I agreed to move ahead
    with the U.S.-China agreement for cooperation concerning the peaceful
    uses of nuclear energy. It will allow our companies to apply for
    licenses to sell equipment to Chinese nuclear powerplants, subject to
    U.S. monitoring. This agreement is a win-win-win. It serves America's
    national security, environmental, and economic interests.
        President Jiang and I agreed to increase the cooperation between our
    countries in fighting international organized crime, drug trafficking,
    and alien smuggling. Our law enforcement officials will share
    information and consult regularly. And starting next year, we will
    station Drug Enforcement Administration officers in Beijing.
        I'm also pleased that we will expand our cooperation on rule-of-law
    programs. Through them, we'll help China to train judges and lawyers,
    increase our exchanges of legal experts and materials, strengthen
    commercial law and arbitration in China, and share ideas on issues such
    as legal aid and administrative reform.
        In both China and the United States, trade has been a critical
    catalyst for growth. China's the fastest growing market in the world for
    our goods and services. Tomorrow, Boeing will sign a contract for the
    largest sale of airplanes to China in history, 50 jets valued at $3
    billion. This contract will support tens of thousands of American jobs
    and provide China with a modern fleet of passenger planes.

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        Still, access to China's market remains restricted for many America
    goods and services. Just as China can compete freely and fairly in
    America, so our goods and services should be able to compete freely and
    fairly in China. The United States will do everything possible to bring
    China into the World Trade Organization as soon as possible, provided
    China improves access to its market. China's decision today to join the
    information technology agreement, which cuts to zero tariffs on
    computers, semiconductors, and telecommunications equipment, is a strong
    step in the right direction.
        As we pursue growth, we must also protect our shared environment.
    Already, pollution has made respiratory illness the leading health
    problem in China. Today our countries agreed to a joint initiative that
    will help China reduce air pollution and increase clean energy
    production, including through the use of American technology. The
    initiative builds upon the work begun by the Vice President in Beijing
    this spring.
        I also discussed with President Jiang the special responsibility our
    nations bear, as the top two emitters of greenhouse gases, to lead in
    finding a global solution to the global problem of climate change. This
    is a broad agenda in which China and the United States share important
    interests that we can best advance by working together.
        But we also have fundamental differences, especially concerning
    human rights and religious freedom. I'm convinced the best way to
    address them is directly and personally, as we did yesterday and today,
    and as we will continue to do until this issue is no longer before us,
    when there is full room for debate, dissent, and freedom to worship as
    part of the fabric of a truly free Chinese society.
        Mr. President, I am very pleased that tomorrow you will visit
    Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, for it was there
    that our Founders set forth the beliefs that define and inspire our
    Nation to this very day. We believe all individuals, as a condition of
    their humanity, have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of
    happiness. We believe liberty includes freedom of religion, freedom of
    speech, freedom of association. We believe governments must protect
    those rights. These ideas grew out of the European Enlightenment, but
    today they are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
    not as the birthright of Americans or Westerners but of people
    everywhere.
        I welcome China's decision to invite a delegation of distinguished
    American religious leaders to China to pursue a dialog on religious
    freedom. I'm pleased we have recommitted to discuss our differences over
    human rights at both governmental and nongovernmental levels.
        Mr. President, China has known more millennia than America has known
    centuries. But for more than 220 years, we have been conducting our
    great experiment in democracy. We still struggle to make it work every
    day, and we know it requires struggle every day. The American people
    greatly admire China's extraordinary economic transformation, and we
    understand the importance that your own experiences and your present
    challenges lead you to place upon maintaining stability. We also
    appreciate the fact that human rights have been advanced in China by
    greater freedom from want, freedom of movement in career choice, and
    widely held local elections. But we also believe that China will enjoy
    more growth and more stability as it embraces more fully the political
    as well as the economic aspirations of all your people.
        In the information age, the true wealth of nations lies in people's
    ability to create, to communicate, to innovate. Fully developing these
    resources requires people who feel free to speak, to publish, to
    associate, to worship without fear of reprisal. It is China's
    extraordinary human resources that will lift it to its rightful destiny
    of leadership and widely held prosperity in the 21st century.
        As we look ahead, the United States welcomes China's emergence as a
    full and constructive partner in the community of nations, a great
    nation that joins its strength and influence to our own to advance peace
    and prosperity, freedom and security.
        Mr. President, thank you for coming to the United States. We look
    forward to building on the good work of this day so that the best days
    for all our people are yet to come.
        President Jiang. Ladies and gentlemen, a while ago I had an in-depth
    exchange of views with President Clinton on China-U.S. relations and on
    international and regional issues of mutual interest. The meeting was
    constructive and fruitful.
        President Clinton and I have agreed on identifying the goal for the
    development of a China-

    [[Page 1447]]

    U.S. relationship oriented toward the 21st century. The two sides
    believe that efforts to realize this goal will promote the fundamental
    interests of the two peoples and the noble cause of world peace and
    development.
        We both agree that our two countries share extensive common
    interests in important matters bearing on the survival and development
    of mankind, such as peace and development, economic cooperation and
    trade, the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass
    destruction, and environment protection.
        Both sides are of the view that it is imperative to handle China-
    U.S. relations and properly address our differences in accordance with
    the principles of mutual respect, noninterference in each other's
    internal affairs, equality, and mutual benefit, and seeking common
    ground while putting aside differences.
        President Clinton and I have also reached broad agreement on the
    establishment of a mechanism of regular summit meetings, the opening of
    a hotline between the two heads of state, the establishment of a
    mechanism of meetings and consultations between the two foreign
    ministers and other officials, an increase in exchanges between the
    armed forces of the two countries, and exchanges and cooperation between
    our two countries in economic, scientific, and technological, cultural,
    educational, and law enforcement fields.
        My visit will achieve the purpose of enhancing mutual understanding,
    broadening common ground, developing cooperation, and building a future
    together, and bring China-U.S. relations into a new stage of
    development.
        President Clinton and I share the view that China and the United
    States enjoy a high degree of complementarity and a huge potential for
    cooperation in the economic and trade fields. To step up our economic
    cooperation and trade not only benefits our two peoples but also
    contributes to economic development and prosperity of the world.
        And I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr.
    President, for the kind reception accorded to me.
        Now, questions are welcome.
        President Clinton. Let a Chinese go first. We'll wait.

    President Jiang's Visit

        Q. I have a question which I would like to ask of President Jiang.
    President Jiang, for the past few years, you have reiterated once and
    again that we need to take a long-term perspective and we should view
    China-U.S. relations from the perspective of the 21st century.
    Therefore, Mr. President, what measures will the Chinese Government
    make, and how can a sound and stable relationship between China and the
    United States be brought into the 21st century?
        President Jiang. And your question recalled of me of the first
    meeting that President Clinton and I had in Seattle when we agreed that
    we need to work to bring a world of prosperity, stability, and peace
    into the 21st century. The meeting that I had with President Clinton
    during my current trip to the United States was the fifth one that we
    had with one another. However, my visit is the first by a Chinese head
    of state to the United States in 12 years.
        And this shows that both sides are working together and taking many
    specific measures to achieve this goal, and to put it more specifically,
    I believe it is very important for the two peoples of China and the
    United States to enhance mutual understanding. And I'm also coming here
    to the United States for the purpose of deepening mutual understanding
    between our two peoples.
        There are a lot of works from ancient Chinese literature and culture
    describing the view that one should scale a great height in order to
    have a grander sight. And the development of modern science and
    technology also told us that if you have a greater height you can see
    farther into the long distance.
        I do not want to take much of the time, so I would like to leave
    more time to President Clinton. [Laughter]

    Human Rights

        The President. Go ahead, Laurie [Laurie Santos, United Press
    International].
        Q. Sir, we're told that you have asked, even last night, for the
    release of some political dissidents, and the Chinese have not done so.
    Is it acceptable for China to refuse even such a modest gesture?
        President Clinton. Well, first of all, we had a long discussion
    about human rights; we discussed a lot of issues related to human
    rights, every conceivable aspect of it. And we have profound
    disagreements there. But that does not mean that this visit should not
    have occurred or that we don't have a big interest in continuing to work
    together. After all, this interest that

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    we have in working with China relates to the fact that we have common
    values and common interests related to preserving peace, to growing the
    economy, to stopping the spread of dangerous weapons. We have an
    agreement to fight narcotrafficking. We have an agreement to work
    together on the terrific environmental challenges we face--right across
    the board. So I think that you have to see this meeting in the context
    of that. But you shouldn't in any way minimize the steep differences
    that still remain between us over that issue.

    Taiwan

        Q. I have a question for Your Excellency, President Jiang Zemin. Why
    is the Taiwan issue the core issue in China-U.S. relations?
        President Jiang. The three Sino-U.S. joint communiques all covered
    the question of Taiwan, because this question is involving the
    sovereignty of the People's Republic of China. The late Mr. Deng
    Ziaoping proposed the system of one country-two systems for the
    settlement of the Taiwan question and for the accomplishment of peaceful
    reunification of China, and this is the only correct policy.
        However, we also say that we do not commit to renounce the use of
    force, that this is not directed at the compatriots in Taiwan but rather
    at the external forces attempting to interfere in China's internal
    affairs and at those who are attempting to achieve separation of the
    country or the independence of Taiwan.
        I'm very happy that I discussed this issue in clear-cut terms with
    President Clinton during my current trip, as we have done in our
    previous meetings, and I believe the joint statement that the two sides
    are going to release will also carry explicit explanations on the Taiwan
    issue.
        Thank you.
        The President. Terry [Terence Hunt, Associated Press].

    Tiananmen Square and Human Rights

        Q. Mr. President--a question, actually, for both Presidents--the
    shootings in Tiananmen Square were a turning point in U.S.-Chinese
    relations and caused many Americans to view China as an oppressive
    country that crushes human rights. President Jiang, do you have any
    regrets about Tiananmen? And President Clinton, are you prepared to lift
    any of the Tiananmen sanctions, and if not, why not?
        President Jiang.  The political disturbance that occurred at the
    turn of spring and summer in 1989 seriously disrupted social stability
    and jeopardized state security. Therefore, the Chinese Government had to
    take necessary measures, according to law, to quickly resolve the matter
    to ensure that our country enjoys stability and that our reform and
    opening up proceeds smoothly.
        The Communist Party of China and the Chinese Government have long
    drawn the correct conclusion on this political disturbance, and facts
    have also proved that if a country with an over 1.2 billion population
    does not enjoy social and political stability, it cannot possibly have
    the situation of reform and opening up that we are having today.
        Thank you.
        President Clinton. To answer your question, first, on the general
    point, I think it should be obvious to everyone that we have a very
    different view of the meaning of events at Tiananmen Square. I believe
    that what happened and the aftermath and the continuing reluctance to
    tolerate political dissent has kept China from politically developing
    the level of support in the rest of the world that otherwise would have
    been developed. I also believe, as I said in my opening statement, that
    over the long run, the societies of the 21st century that will do best
    will be those that are drawing their stability from their differences,
    that out of this whole harmony of different views, there is a coherence
    of loyalty to the nation because everyone has their say. It enables
    people to accept, for example, the results of the elections that they
    don't agree with. So we have a different view.
        The depth of the view in the United States, I think, is nowhere
    better exemplified than in the so-called Tiananmen sanctions. We are the
    only nation in the world, as far as I know, that still has sanctions on
    the books as a result of the events of 8 years ago.
        Now, you asked a specific question. Our agreement on the nuclear
    proliferation issues allows me to lift the sanction on peaceful nuclear
    cooperation. It is the right thing to do for America. This is a good
    agreement. It furthers our national security interests. China is to be
    complimented for participating in it, and the decision is the right one.

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        The other sanctions, which cover a range of issues from OPIC loans
    to crime control equipment and many things in-between, under our law
    have to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. So as a result of our
    meeting today, the only Tiananmen Square sanction which is being lifted
    is the one on peaceful nuclear cooperation, and it is a good thing for
    America and China. And I applaud the Chinese side for the work they have
    done with us on this specific nuclear issue. It is a substantial step
    forward for us.
        President Jiang. I would like to speak a few words in addition to
    this question. Our two countries have different geographical locations,
    and we are also thousands of miles apart geographically. We also have
    different historic and cultural tradition, different level of economic
    development, and different values. Therefore, I believe it is just
    natural for our two countries to hold different views on some issues.
        Now, people in the world are standing at the turn of the century
    when we're going to bring in the 21st century, and science and
    technology have developed significantly as compared with, for instance,
    the period when Newton lived. And I also believe that the world we are
    living in is a rich and diverse one, and therefore the concepts on
    democracy and human rights and on freedoms are relative and specific
    ones, and they are to be determined by the specific national situation
    of different countries.
        And I am also strongly of the view that on such issues as the human
    rights issue, discussions can be held on the basis of noninterference in
    the internal affairs of a country. And it goes without saying that as
    for the general rules universally abided by in the world, China also
    abides these rules.
        My stay here in the United States is rather a brief one. There is
    the fact that since I came here I have been immersed in the atmosphere
    of friendship from the American people, and I was also accorded a warm
    reception from President Clinton and Vice President Gore. However,
    sometimes noises came into my ears.
        According to Chinese philosophy, Confucius said, ``Isn't it a
    pleasure to have friends coming from afar.'' And naturally, I am also
    aware that in the United States different views can be expressed, and
    this is a reflection of democracy. And therefore, I would like to quote
    a Chinese saying, which goes, ``Seeing it once is better than hearing
    about it 100 times.'' I've also got my real understanding about this
    during my current trip. However, I don't believe this will have any
    negative impact on our effort to approach each other.
        President Clinton. Let me--I just have to say one other thing.
    [Laughter] First of all, the United States recognizes that on so many
    issues China is on the right side of history, and we welcome it. But on
    this issue we believe the policy of the Government is on the wrong side
    of history. There is, after all, now a Universal Declaration of Human
    Rights.
        The second point I'd like to make is that I can only speak from our
    experience. And America has problems of its own, which I have frankly
    acknowledged. But in our country I think it would amaze many of our
    Chinese guests to see some of the things that have been written and said
    about me, my family, our Government, our policies. And yet, after all
    this time, I'm still standing here, and our country is stronger than it
    was before those words were uttered 6 years ago. [Laughter] Excuse me,
    before those words began to be said 6 years ago--they're still being
    said every day. [Laughter]

    Taiwan

        Q. Mr. President, I have a question for both President Jiang and
    President Clinton. President Clinton, you stated your position with
    regard to Taiwan that this is a question for the Chinese people to
    resolve. But we all understand you have brokered peace in Bosnia, in the
    Middle East. Do you see any role for the United States to play in the
    securing of a permanent peaceful environment in the Taiwan Strait?
        And for President Jiang, about the cross-strait dialog. President
    Clinton said that he has urged President Jiang to resume the interrupted
    dialog. I wonder if President Jiang will respond positively and take
    some measures to resume the dialog as soon as possible?
        President Clinton. First of all, I think the most important thing
    the United States can do to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the
    differences is to adhere strictly to the ``one China'' policy we have
    agreed on, to make it clear that within the context of that ``one
    China'' policy, as articulated in the communiques and our own laws, we
    will maintain friendly, open relations with the people of Taiwan and
    China but that we understand that this issue has to be resolved and
    resolved peacefully and that if it is resolved in a satisfactory way,
    consistent with statements made in the past, then Asia will be stronger

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    and more stable and more prosperous--that is good for the United
    States--and our own relations with China will move on to another stage
    of success.
        I think the more we can encourage that, the better off we are. But I
    think in the end, since so much investment and contact has gone on in
    the last few years between Taiwan and China, I think the Chinese people
    know how to resolve this when the time is right, and we just have to
    keep saying we hope the time will be right as soon as possible. Sooner
    is better than later.
        President Jiang. To answer your question in rather brief terms, all
    in all, our policy is one of peaceful reunification and ``one country,
    two systems.'' And as for more detailed elaboration on that, a few years
    ago I made my 8-point proposal along that line, and at the just
    concluded 15th national congress of the Chinese Communist Party I also
    delivered a report which gave a rather comprehensive elaboration on
    this. Therefore, I will not repeat them here.
        President Clinton. I, too, will try to be briefer.
        Larry [Larry McQuillan, Reuters], go ahead.

    China-U.S. Nuclear Cooperation

        Q. Mr. President, could you elaborate a little bit more on your
    decision to approve these reactor--or to permit reactor sales? It's
    certainly something that has raised concerns by some Members of
    Congress. And also, could you describe just what kind of commitments
    you've received from China? Are they actually written?
        President Clinton. Well, let me say, first of all, I am completely
    convinced that the agreements we have reached are sufficiently specific
    and clear that the requirements of the law will be met and that the
    national security of the United States will be advanced and that we will
    have greater success in our global efforts to keep nuclear technology
    and other dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands, as a
    result of the agreement we have made with China.

    Discussions With President Jiang

        Q. President Jiang, among the common ground you reached with
    President Clinton, what is the most important one?
        President Jiang. I believe very importantly that I and President
    Clinton held full exchange of views on issues of mutual interest to us,
    and we also reached common ground on the major areas of our discussion.
    And I believe the most important thing is that both sides have expressed
    the desire to work in order to bring a world of peace, stability, and
    prosperity into the next century. I believe this is the most important
    common ground we have.
        President Clinton. Jon [Jonathan Peterson, Los Angeles Times].

    U.S. Troops in Asia

        Q. Mr. President, the United States and China are inevitably big
    powers in the Pacific. Are you comfortable with the size of America's
    military presence in Asia? And I'd also like to ask President Jiang if
    he would view a reduction of American troops in the region as a step
    towards improving relations.
        President Clinton. The question you ask of me, the answer is simple.
    It's yes. I believe that our presence in the Pacific, where everyone
    knows we have no territorial or other destructive ambitions, is a
    stabilizing factor, and it will lead us to greater partnerships in
    meeting common security threats in the years ahead.
        President Jiang. Hong Kong correspondent, please.

    China, Russia, and the United States

        Q. I have a question for both Presidents. Yesterday, Beijing
    announced its invitation for Russian President Boris Yeltsin to visit
    Beijing, and today the heads of state of China and the United States
    have announced here in the United States to establish a constructive and
    strategic partnership between China and the United States. Therefore, I
    would like to have your comment--the two Presidents--your perception
    concerning the triangular relationship between China, the United States,
    and Russia.
        President Jiang. I don't see much contradiction in this aspect, for
    I am coming here to the United States this time at the invitation of
    President Clinton for what is our fifth meeting with one another, and
    therefore we are already old friends. And so am I with President Yeltsin
    of Russia. And I still remember that in the spring of 1995, the three of
    us met in Moscow. Therefore, I don't see much contradiction in this
    regard. And we should all commit ourselves to building a peaceful and
    beautiful new century.
        President Clinton. During the cold war, we were all three suspicious
    of each other, and we tried to play each other off against the other.

    [[Page 1451]]

    [Laughter] So when Russia argued with China, we were very happy.
    [Laughter]
        Today, we must look to the future. Russia has a strong democracy.
    Its economy is coming back. We are working with Russia in Bosnia and in
    other places around the world. In land mass, it is the largest country
    in the world. It is a rich country. It is a European country and an
    Asian country. And both China and the United States should have good
    relations with Russia. And then the three of us should work together on
    matters of common concern. This is not the cold war; we need to be
    looking to the future and a different set of relations.
        Wolf [Wolf Blitzer, CNN].

    Human Rights

        Q. Mr. President and Mr. President, I wonder if you specifically had
    a chance to raise the cases of the two leading political dissidents in
    China, Wang Dan and Wei Jingsheng, with President Jiang and ask for
    their release? And to President Jiang, why not simply release these
    political prisoners? And also, why not allow greater religious freedom
    in Tibet, which has become such an emotional issue here in the United
    States as well? Thank you.
        President Clinton. First, as Mr. Berger, I think, has already told
    you, my answer to that question is, I discussed every aspect of this
    issue in great detail.
        President Jiang. To be frank with you, President Clinton discussed
    all these relevant issues with me. I just want to state here that I am
    the President of the People's Republic of China and not the chief judge
    of the Supreme Court of China. And as for the issues such as the one
    concerning Wei Jingsheng, this involves China's criminal law and will be
    resolved gradually according to the legal procedure by the court of
    China.
        As for the issue concerning religion in Tibet, in China people have
    the freedom to exercise their different religious beliefs. However, on
    this question, I believe religious freedom in Tibet and the violation of
    criminal law are issues within different framework. And, therefore, I
    hope that mutual understanding between us will be promoted.

    China-U.S. Relations

        Q. My question is for President Clinton. In China, sometimes we are
    confused by American different policy to China. We know when you--there
    are factions in Congress which aren't friendly to China. So as
    President, how do you coordinate the unbalance to have a unified policy
    to China? Is there any elements to damage an effective Sino-U.S.
    relationship?
        President Clinton. Well, let me say--make a general point first. It
    is very important that we understand each other so that if we have a
    difference, it's a real difference and not a misunderstanding.
    Therefore, in dealing with the United States, unless there is some clear
    signal to the contrary, you should assume that a statement by the
    President, the Vice President, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of
    Defense, the Secretary of the Treasury, the National Security Adviser,
    the Trade Ambassador, the people in our direct line of authority--they
    represent our policy.
        We need the support of important people in Congress, and much of the
    leadership does support this administration's China policy. But I think
    it would be a mistake to think that the United States has no unified
    China policy because individuals or groups in the Congress disagree with
    it. We do have a lot of disagreement; we have had for 8 years now, ever
    since 1989. Until we resolve all these issues, in that sense, our
    relations will never be fully normal. But we have to keep pushing
    forward.
        Karen [Karen Breslau, Newsweek].
        We have one last--yes, this is the last one so the Americans and the
    Chinese will be even. [Laughter]

    Tibet

        Q. For President Jiang, sir, officials in your delegation have
    suggested that the protesters who have protested Chinese policies in
    Tibet are, in many cases, young people, students who have been misguided
    and misinformed by a Hollywood-led campaign. Sir, if that is so, and if
    we take to heart your old Chinese saying that seeing once is worth
    hearing 100 times, would you be willing to invite either a delegation, a
    senior delegation from the United States Congress or a group of
    international journalists to travel to Tibet and to see for themselves?
    Thank you.
        President Jiang. I do, indeed, would like to welcome more people to
    go to Tibet and see with their own eyes.
        President Clinton. Let me just, following up on that, make it clear
    again that the United States has no political objective in pressing the

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    cause of Tibetans, the Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama. We have only
    asked for the resumption of a constructive dialog based on a commitment
    that there would be no attempt to sever Tibet from China but instead an
    attempt to reconcile the peoples so that all freedom of religious
    expression and unique cultures could be preserved.
        Thank you very much.
        President Jiang. Thank you.

    Note: The President's 152d news conference began at 3:30 p.m. in Room
    450 of the Old Executive Office Building. President Jiang spoke in
    Chinese, and his remarks were translated by an interpreter.