    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 27, 1998]
    [Page 1069]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1069]]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Jiang Zemin  of China
    in Beijing
    June 27, 1998

        President Jiang. First of all, I'd like to welcome you, Mr.
    President, on the state visit to China. And I'm looking forward to an
    indepth exchange of views with you on a series of major issues.
        Last fall I paid a state visit to your country at your invitation,
    and we made an important decision--that is, China and the United States
    would work together to establish a 21st century oriented, constructive,
    strategic partnership. Today your visit is another major event in China-
    U.S. relations.
        The exchange of visits between the heads of state of China and the
    United States represents the common desire of our two peoples and also
    marks a new stage of growth for the bilateral relations. Facts have
    demonstrated that improvement in growth of China-U.S. relations are the
    inevitable development of the history and are irresistible for any force
    on Earth. I'm prepared to work together with you, Mr. President, to make
    your visit a complete success.
        President Clinton. Thank you very much, Mr. President. As you know,
    this is my first trip to China, the first by an American President in 9
    years. It comes only 8 months after your visit to the United States,
    which was very successful. I believe that these two visits demonstrate
    our commitment and our progress in building the constructive, strategic
    partnership we talked about last October.
        I know that I speak for the vast majority of the American people
    when I say that this effort to improve and strengthen our relationship
    is very welcome. I have been impressed by the progress we have made and
    by the open and honest relationship we have developed in discussing all
    matters, and for that, I thank you very much.
        I very much hope this trip will not only help us to expand our areas
    of cooperation and move toward reconciling our differences but also will
    help to increase the understanding of the American people about China
    and the Chinese people about America, because long after we are gone
    from the scene our people will have to carry on this partnership and
    this friendship.

    Note: President Jiang spoke at 9:23 a.m. in the Great Hall of the
    People. He spoke in Chinese, and his remarks were translated by an
    interpreter. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    these remarks.