    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [April 8, 1999]
    [Pages 528-529]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the State Dinner Honoring Premier Zhu Rongji of China
    April 8, 1999

        May I have your attention, please. Can you hear? Ladies and
    gentlemen, Premier Zhu, Madam Lao, distinguished
    members of the Chinese delegation; to all of our guests here. And I
    would like to say a special word of welcome to two special Americans who
    made an extraordinary effort to be here tonight, Reverend Billy
    Graham and his wife, Ruth. We thank them for joining us. Thank you very much.
        I would like to begin with two profound observations about China.
    The Chinese civilization has dazzled the world for thousands of years,
    and the Chinese do not have a tradition of long speeches before dinner.
    [Laughter] I think there must be a connection. [Laughter] Therefore, I
    will be brief.
        It is not as brief in Chinese as in English. [Laughter]
        Since 1784, Chinese and Americans have shared a lively dialog over
    how to achieve common cause in the countless pursuits that animate great
    nations. Thomas Jefferson took care to promote what he called ``good
    dispositions'' between the United States and China. Abraham Lincoln, in
    his first annual message to Congress, predicted our extensive trade with
    China. And of course, Franklin Roosevelt made it America's purpose to
    join with China in defense of freedom.
        Our dialog and cooperation have now survived over two centuries and
    over considerable challenges. Today the Premier and I worked hard to
    renew both. We spoke to each other with candor and respect about our
    hopes for our people and our children's future. Sometimes speaking
    candidly is difficult.
        Premier Zhu, I know your own life bears witness to this painful
    truth. But as you said this morning, only good friends tell each other
    what they really think. If you're right about that, you have turned out
    to be quite a good friend, indeed. [Laughter]
        As you know, the American people are glad to see you and to return
    the hospitality you so generously extended to Hillary and me and our
    delegation last year. People are interested in you. After all, there
    aren't many leaders who understand both the intricacies of global
    finance and the intricacies of the Beijing Opera, who play the huqin, a
    kind of Chinese fiddle, and who voice both blunt political views and
    blunt musical opinions. For example, this morning's New York Times
    reported that you said Western opera makes you want to take a nap.
    [Laughter] I hope Yo Yo Ma understands the pressure on him tonight.
    [Laughter]
        Premier, we have profound respect for your efforts to change China
    in sweeping ways, to build a 21st century China in which all Chinese
    have a chance to live full and prosperous lives. Of course, we have some
    differences over what is required to achieve that goal. And here in
    America we are still trying, ourselves, to form the ``more perfect
    Union'' of our Founders' dreams.

    [[Page 529]]

        But we both believe tomorrow can be better than today, and we
    believe that our responsibility is to make it so before our brief
    journeys through life are over.
        Last year on March 5th, the Chinese people celebrated the centennial
    of the birth of the first Premier of the People's Republic, Zhou Enlai.
    Americans still remember well the man who greeted President Nixon in
    1972 and said to him in a toast: ``The people, and the people alone, are
    the motive force in the making of world history. We are confident,'' he
    went on to say, ``that the day will surely come when this common desire
    of our two peoples will be realized.'' Mr. Premier, as Zhou Enlai's
    successor, you have done much to bring this day closer.
        Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast to the Premier of
    China, Zhu Rongji, Madam Lao, and the people of China.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:04 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Premier Zhu's wife, Lao An,
    and cellist Yo Yo Ma. The transcript released by
    the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Premier
    Zhu.