    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [August 8, 2008]
    [Pages 1127-1128]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Dedication Ceremony for the United States Embassy in
    Beijing, China
    August 8, 2008

        Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. [Laughter] It is quite an
    honor to be introduced by your dad. This
    has got to be a historic moment: father and son, two Presidents, opening
    up an Embassy. I suspect it's the first, although I must confess, I
    haven't done a lot of research into the itinerary of the Adams boys.
    [Laughter]
        My dad was a fabulous President. And I
    tell people one reason why was not only did he know what he was doing,
    he was a fabulous father.
        Mr. Ambassador, honored
    guests: Laura and I, my brother and my sister are proud
    to be here with our dad as we open and
    dedicate this new Embassy.
        No doubt, this is an impressive complex. To me it speaks of the
    importance of our relations with China. It reflects the solid foundation
    underpinning our relations. It is a commitment to strengthen that
    foundation for years to come.
        I thank all those who designed and built the Embassy and all those
    who work here to advance the interests and values of our great Nation.
    Dad and I are honored that Councilor
    Dai has joined us, and Minister Xie; Ambassador Zhou, who, by the
    way, opened a new Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, designed by I.M.
    Pei, a couple weeks ago.
        We appreciate our friend Anne Johnson being
    here, director of the Art in Embassies Program. Dr.
    Kissinger, thanks for coming.
        It takes a special band to open the Embassy. Out of west Texas--
    Odessa, Texas, for that matter--the Gatlin
    boys are with us today.
    I thank the Red Poppies. Thank you for your talent.
        And finally, I want to pay tribute to Sandy Randt, who has done a fabulous job as our Ambassador
    to China. Sandy, thank you and--[applause].
        We're proud to be here with those citizens of ours who work at the
    Embassy, and we say thanks to the Chinese nationals who make our Embassy
    go as well.
        I'm honored to represent the United States at this opening
    ceremonies of the Olympic Games here in Beijing. And I'm looking forward
    to cheering our athletes on. Mr. Ambassador, I'm not making any predictions about medal counts, but I
    can tell you the U.S. athletes are ready to come and compete in the
    spirit of friendship.
        You know, during my last visit here, I had the opportunity to break
    in the mountain biking course. I was so proud of my efforts, I told
    Laura I was thinking about entering the
    competition myself. [Laughter] She reminded me they don't give any
    medals for last place. [Laughter]
        Tonight the Olympic torch will light the home of an ancient
    civilization with a grand history. Thousands of years ago, the Chinese
    people developed a common language and unified a great nation. China
    became the center for art and literature, commerce and philosophy. China
    advanced the frontiers of knowledge in medicine, astronomy, navigation,
    engineering, and many other fields. And the Chinese are even said to
    have invented the parachute, something for which the 41st
    President is very grateful.
        We share a long history. The first American ship arrived in China
    just after the year we won our independence. World War II, Americans and
    Chinese fought side by side to liberate this land from Imperial Japan.
    We all remember very clearly, Dr. K, when
    President Nixon came to Beijing to begin a new era of dialogue between
    our nations. You might remember that yourself. [Laughter]

    [[Page 1128]]

        Today, the United States and China have built a strong relationship,
    rooted in common interests. China has opened its economy and begun to
    unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of its people. America will continue
    to support China on the path toward a free economy.
        We're also cooperating to fight pandemic diseases and respond to
    natural disasters. And through the six-party talks, we're working
    together to ensure that the Korean Peninsula is free of nuclear weapons.
        The relationship between our nations is constructive and cooperative
    and candid. We'll continue to be candid about our mutual global
    responsibilities. We must work together to protect the environment and
    help people in the developing world, continue to be candid about our
    belief that all people should have the freedom to say what they think
    and worship as they choose. We strongly believe societies which allow
    the free expression of ideas tend to be the most prosperous and the most
    peaceful.
        Candor is the most effective--is most effective where nations have
    built a relationship of respect and trust. I've worked hard to build
    that respect and trust. I appreciate the Chinese leadership that have
    worked hard to build that respect and trust. And I thank all those here
    at the Embassy who are doing the same thing. The people here who work
    made sacrifices to serve our country. Serving America is noble, and I
    hope you found it to be rewarding, just like I have.
        I'm honored to be with you. I appreciate the honor of dedicating
    this new Embassy. And I'm looking forward to going to the games.
    [Laughter] God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:10 a.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    his brother Marvin P. Bush and his sister Dorothy Bush Koch; State
    Councilor Dai Bingguo, Minister of Finance Xie Xuren, and Ambassador to
    the U.S. Zhou Wenzhong of China; former Secretary of State Henry A.
    Kissinger; and entertainers Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and the
    Red Poppy Ladies Percussion Ensemble. The transcript released by the
    Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of former
    President George H.W. Bush. The Office of the Press Secretary also
    released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.