[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.