[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 27 (Monday, July 6, 1998)]
[Page 1245]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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: The President spoke at 9:23 a.m. in the Great Hall of the People. 
President Jiang spoke in Chinese, and his remarks were translated by an 
interpreter. A tape was not available for verification of the content of 
these remarks.