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Opening Statement for Chinese TV, 2/26/89
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Opening Statement for Chinese TV, 2/26/89
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S; 2000-0949-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13476
Folder ID Number:
13476-014
Folder Title:
Opening Statement for Chinese TV, 2/26/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
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G
25
6
1
3
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Beijing, China)
For Immediate Release
February 26, 1989
INTERVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT
BY CHINESE TV
CCTV Studios
Beijing, China
6:02 P.M. (L)
Q Mr. President, I'm sure millions of Chinese people
are watching this program now. I wonder if you would like to say a
few words to them first.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I do have an opening statement, but
first let me thank you for this unique opportunity. It's a great
honor for me to be the first American President to speak to the
Chinese people in a live broadcast. And I feel as if I were talking
to old friends who, while out of sight, have never, never been out of
heart and mind.
Fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your beautiful
land when I was, as you said, Chief of the United States Liaison
Office. And for us, returning to Beijing is a homecoming. Our work
here was a source of great personal satisfaction; a happy,
challenging time in our lives. And we actually went to church here;
indeed our daughter was baptized in our faith here, and we rode
bicycles down the hutungs of Beijing, and came to have a general
feeling of affection for the Chinese people. And we knew then that
the relationship that we would establish between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
And we were right. Today, the bridges that started with
the Shanghai Communique years ago -- today that relationship has
joined our peoples together in friendship and respect. And our two
countries continue to weave an increasingly rich fabric of relations
through our expanding trade, and cultural and scientific exchange.
American students study at many of your finest universities and we
welcome thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions in the United States.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between our
two countries in the years ahead.
I've spoken to the American people about a
- 2 -
concerns such as our planet's environment, the threat to all people
from international terror, the use and spread of chemical and
biological weapons, and international drug trafficking.
I know your leaders share with me a determination to
solve these and other problems and, as President of the United
States, I look forward to continuing to work closely with them as I
have done in the past.
The Americans and Chinese share many things but perhaps
none is more important than our strong sense of family. Just a few
weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed by a new grandchild. And when
I think of her and I think of the beautiful children of China, my
commitment to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese
and Americans look back upon this time, they'll say that the winds of
change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your friendship,
your hospitality and the many warm memories of this wonderful country
that Barbara and I take with us as we return tomorrow to the United
States. Thank you all.
Q
Mr. President, you've been in office for just a
month and many people are probably surprised that you've decided to
come to China so soon. Why now?
THE PRESIDENT: Now because you see, I view the
relationship between China and the United States as highly
significant, as one of the very most important relationships that we
have. And so it has a lot to do with bilateralism, with our trade
and our cultural exchanges and what I said here about the children.
But it's more than that. It really has, because of China's
importance and ours, a lot to do with world peace. And so before
much time went by, I wanted to reaffirm the importance that the
United States places on this bilateral relationship and I wanted to
pledge to the Chinese leaders -- and I've met the top four leaders in
the last day and a half --- that this relationship will grow and it
will prosper. And we have economic problems and China has some, but
together we're going to solve them and we're going to move forward.
Q
Well, this is your second day in China. How do you
assess trip? your time here? What specifically have you achieved on this
THE PRESIDENT: Well, really it's been a period to --
just in that short period of time -- to visit with the Chinese
leadership and Chairman Deng Xiaoping and others -- Zhao Ziyang and
Li Peng, Chairman Yang -- all of these men giving a lot of their
time to explain the reforms in China, the new directions that China
is taking in world affairs. We had an interesting exchange on the
forthcoming visit of General Secretary Gorbachev coming here. And it
is important that they understand what I'm thinking in terms of the
Middle East or the subcontinent or our relations with the Soviet
Union on arms control, and it's important I understand theirs. So it
hasn't been a visit that has three points on an agenda. It's a visit
with a much broader perspective and a reaffirmation of a
- 3 -
Secretary of State, Jim Baker, had with the European leaders.
Another area is the economy. And we have some economic problems at
home, and I wanted to assure the Chinese leaders that we're going to
-- I am going to do my level best to get our deficit down.
The Chinese people might say, well, what in the world
does that have to do with me living in Beijing or down in Shanghai or
out further in the countryside. Well, the economies of the world are
interlocked in a way. And if I can do my job properly, that might
mean lower interest rates. And what does that mean to the average
man on the street in China? That might mean that eventually his
goods come to him at a lower price. So I just come back to the fact
that the visit is a chance to explore in depth the complicated
international relationships and to build on this bilateral
relationship.
Q Well, it's said there's vast potential in
strengthening both the economic and technological cooperation between
China and the United States. How do we best tap that potential, and
how do we overcome problems such as the restrictions on the transfer
of technology?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, in the first place, I had an
opportunity just a minute ago -- I was almost late for your program
--- because I was talking to Ziao Ziyang, a very impressive leader,
about the economy and about reforms. We congratulate the Chinese
leaders in the steps they've taken towards economic reform.
Now, in terms of something technical like technological
exchange, I made clear to the Chinese leaders, particularly in a
conversation with Li Peng, that we are prepared to go the extra mile
in terms of investment, in terms of business, exports and imports.
You know, when I was here in China 15 years ago, total trade was $800
million. And now, depending on how one accounts for it, we would
say, we would use a figure of $14 billion. So we're going to move
forward. We will advance technology to China as much as we possibly
can under what is known as the COCOM arrangement. There are some
highly sensitive, highly sophisticated military technologies that I'm
not even sure China is interested in, but that we are prohibited from
exporting under the law. Having said that, we have exported some
highly sophisticated technology to China, and as President, I want to
continue to do that. And that will benefit the life of the average
Chinese citizen.
We're in an information society in many ways in the
United States, and clearly that is going to come to China -- computer
knowledge and education techniques that are coming to the average
Chinese kid from computers. And we've been blessed by advanced
technology, and now we want to share it as much as we can.
Q
Well, you know there are reforms in China right
now --
THE PRESIDENT: I know it.
- 4 -
So there are some artificial barriers, and the good thing
about a visit like this is we can sit and talk to the leaders in a
dispassionate way and where they disagree with me, they will tell me,
and where I disagree with them, I'm obliged to tell them. And that's
what a good frank relationship can do.
But I told them that I must work to get the budget
deficit in the United States now, because that does have an adverse
impact on international interest rates. So there are things that we
can do, and there were things that I've asked China to do in terms of
facilitating business. Sometimes I think your country is as bad as
mine is on red tape. And to get the best flow of investment, China
needs street. to do better on red tape -- and so do we. It's a two-way
Q Well, I've got more questions --
THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead.
Q -- but the time is up --
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, dear.
Q
-- and I'm afraid you have another important
activity right after this, so we have to end this interview right
now.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. It's been a pleasure
to have you here.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, this has been a unique opportunity.
And let me just conclude my part of your broadcast by again saying as
President of the United States, the relationship, the growing
relationship between China and the United States is vital to my
country, it is important to my country, and I hope it will benefit
the people in China. I am confident that it will, and I know it will
benefit world peace as well.
Q
Thank you very much, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, ma'am.
END
6:16 P.M. (L)
#133
(α/Q+A)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Beijing, China)
For Immediate Release
February 26, 1989
INTERVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT
BY CHINESE TV
CCTV Studios
Beijing, China
6:02 P.M. (L)
Q Mr. President, I'm sure millions of Chinese people
are watching this program now. I wonder if you would like to say a
few words to them first.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I do have an opening statement, but
first let me thank you for this unique opportunity. It's a great
honor for me to be the first American President to speak to the
Chinese people in a live broadcast. And I feel as if I were talking
to old friends who, while out of sight, have never, never been out of
heart and mind.
Fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your beautiful
land when I was, as you said, Chief of the United States Liaison
Office. And for us, returning to Beijing is a homecoming. Our work
here was a source of great personal satisfaction; a happy,
challenging time in our lives. And we actually went to church here;
indeed our daughter was baptized in our faith here, and we rode
bicycles down the hutungs of Beijing, and came to have a general
feeling of affection for the Chinese people. And we knew then that
the relationship that we would establish between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
And we were right. Today, the bridges that started with
the Shanghai Communique years ago -- today that relationship has
joined our peoples together in friendship and respect. And our two
countries continue to weave an increasingly rich fabric of relations
through our expanding trade, and cultural and scientific exchange.
American students study at many of your finest universities and we
welcome thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions in the United States.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between our
two countries in the years ahead.
- 2 -
concerns such as our planet's environment, the threat to all people
from international terror, the use and spread of chemical and
biological weapons, and international drug trafficking.
I know your leaders share with me a determination to
solve these and other problems and, as President of the United
States, I look forward to continuing to work closely with them as I
have done in the past.
The Americans and Chinese share many things but perhaps
none is more important than our strong sense of family. Just a few
weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed by a new grandchild. And when
I think of her and I think of the beautiful children of China, my
commitment to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese
and Americans look back upon this time, they'll say that the winds of
change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your friendship,
your hospitality and the many warm memories of this wonderful country
that Barbara and I take with us as we return tomorrow to the United
States. Thank you all.
Q
Mr. President, you've been in office for just a
month and many people are probably surprised that you've decided to
come to China so soon. Why now?
THE PRESIDENT: Now because you see, I view the
relationship between China and the United States as highly
significant, as one of the very most important relationships that we
have. And so it has a lot to do with bilateralism, with our trade
and our cultural exchanges and what I said here about the children.
But it's more than that. It really has, because of China's
importance and ours, a lot to do with world peace. And so before
much time went by, I wanted to reaffirm the importance that the
United States places on this bilateral relationship and I wanted to
pledge to the Chinese leaders -- and I've met the top four leaders in
the last day and a half --- that this relationship will grow and it
will prosper. And we have economic problems and China has some, but
together we're going to solve them and we're going to move forward.
Q
Well, this is your second day in China. How do you
assess your time here? What specifically have you achieved on this
trip?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, really it's been a period to --
just in that short period of time --- to visit with the Chinese
leadership and Chairman Deng Xiaoping and others -- Zhao Ziyang and
Li Peng, Chairman Yang -- all of these men giving a lot of their
time to explain the reforms in China, the new directions that China
is taking in world affairs. We had an interesting exchange on the
forthcoming visit of General Secretary Gorbachev coming here. And it
is important that they understand what I'm thinking in terms of the
Middle East or the subcontinent or our relations with the Soviet
Union on arms control, and it's important I understand theirs. So it
hasn't been a visit that has three points on an agenda. It's a visit
with
a
much
- 3 -
Secretary of State, Jim Baker, had with the European leaders.
Another area is the economy. And we have some economic problems at
home, and I wanted to assure the Chinese leaders that we're going to
-- I am going to do my level best to get our deficit down.
The Chinese people might say, well, what in the world
does that have to do with me living in Beijing or down in Shanghai or
out further in the countryside. Well, the economies of the world are
interlocked in a way. And if I can do my job properly, that might
mean lower interest rates. And what does that mean to the average
man on the street in China? That might mean that eventually his
goods come to him at a lower price. So I just come back to the fact
that the visit is a chance to explore in depth the complicated
international relationships and to build on this bilateral
relationship.
Q Well, it's said there's vast potential in
strengthening both the economic and technological cooperation between
China and the United States. How do we best tap that potential, and
how do we overcome problems such as the restrictions on the transfer
of technology?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, in the first place, I had an
opportunity just a minute ago -- I was almost late for your program
--- because I was talking to Ziao Ziyang, a very impressive leader,
about the economy and about reforms. We congratulate the Chinese
leaders in the steps they've taken towards economic reform.
Now, in terms of something technical like technological
exchange, I made clear to the Chinese leaders, particularly in a
conversation with Li Peng, that we are prepared to go the extra mile
in terms of investment, in terms of business, exports and imports.
You know, when I was here in China 15 years ago, total trade was $800
million. And now, depending on how one accounts for it, we would
say, we would use a figure of $14 billion. So we're going to move
forward. We will advance technology to China as much as we possibly
can under what is known as the COCOM arrangement. There are some
highly sensitive, highly sophisticated military technologies that I'm
not even sure China is interested in, but that we are prohibited from
exporting under the law. Having said that, we have exported some
highly sophisticated technology to China, and as President, I want to
continue to do that. And that will benefit the life of the average
Chinese citizen.
We're in an information society in many ways in the
United States, and clearly that is going to come to China -- computer
knowledge and education techniques that are coming to the average
Chinese kid from computers. And we've been blessed by advanced
technology, and now we want to share it as much as we can.
Q
Well, you know there are reforms in China right
now --
THE PRESIDENT: I know it.
- 4 -
So there are some artificial barriers, and the good thing
about a visit like this is we can sit and talk to the leaders in a
dispassionate way and where they disagree with me, they will tell me,
and where I disagree with them, I'm obliged to tell them. And that's
what a good frank relationship can do.
But I told them that I must work to get the budget
deficit in the United States now, because that does have an adverse
impact on international interest rates. So there are things that we
can do, and there were things that I've asked China to do in terms of
facilitating business. Sometimes I think your country is as bad as
mine is on red tape. And to get the best flow of investment, China
needs to do better on red tape -- and so do we. It's a two-way
street.
Q Well, I've got more questions --
THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead.
Q
-- but the time is up --
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, dear.
Q
-- and I'm afraid you have another important
activity right after this, so we have to end this interview right
now.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. It's been a pleasure
to have you here.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, this has been a unique opportunity.
And let me just conclude my part of your broadcast by again saying as
President of the United States, the relationship, the growing
relationship between China and the United States is vital to my
country, it is important to my country, and I hope it will benefit
the people in China. I am confident that it will, and I know it will
benefit world peace as well.
Q
Thank you very much, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, ma'am.
END
6:16 P.M. (L)
master
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
2/18/89
2/20/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES no comm
UNTERMEYER
WINSTON
BREEDEN
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
no com
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments/recommendations to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by NOON, Monday, February 20, 1989, with an
info copy to my office. Sorry for the short turnaround.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Cicconi add Я of personal remumeaes.
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
( (Winston) )
February 19, 1989
5:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
It is a great honor for me to be the first American
President to speak to the Chinese people in a live broadcast. interview I
feel as if I were speaking to old friends who while out of sight,
have never been out of heart and mind.
Some'5?
Fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your beautiful
land when I served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office.
We knew
then
at once that the relationship that we would establish between between
ourselves and the Chinese people and between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
We were right. Today, the bridges that we began to build on
that day in October so many years ago join our peoples together
in friendship and respect. Our two countries continue to weave
an increasingly rich fabric of relations through our expanding
trade, and cultural and scientific exchange. American students
study at many of your finest universities and we welcome
thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions across America.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between
our two countries in the years ahead.
I have spoken to the American people of a "new breeze
There IS
(Darman
blowing" in the world today. I see a worldwide movement toward
greater freedom -- freedom of human creativy and freedom of
economic opportunity.
We have all begun to feel the winds of change sweep us
toward an exciting and challenging new century. These winds are
sometimes gentle 1 and sometimes strong and powerful. China was
one of the first nations to feel this new breeze and like a young
tree in a winter wind, you have learned to bend and adapt to new
ways and new ideas.
Many challenges lie before our two nations. Together, we
must find political solutions to regional conflicts. We must
foster global growth. And, together, we must seek solutions to
our planets
worldwide concerns such as the enviroment of our planet, the
all people international
safety of all people from the threat of terrorism, the use and
spread of chemical and biological weapons and international drug
traffickingk in nder to make life better for future
guerations.
I know your leaders share with me a determination to solve
these and other problems and, as President, I look forward to
continuing to work closely with them as I have done in the past.
The American and Chinese people share many things but
perhaps none is more important than our strong sense of family.
Just a few weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed by a new
grandchild. When I think of her and the beautiful children of
China, my commitment to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese and
Americans look back upon this time, they will say that the winds
of change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your
friendship, your hospitality and the many warm memories of this
wonderful country Barbara and I take with us.
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/20/89
---
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
SUBJECT:
(time stamped 2/20 - 6:11 p.m.)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
1989 FEB 20 6: 11
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
It is a great honor for me to be the first American
President to speak to the Chinese people in a live broadcast. I
feel as if I were speaking to old fiends who, while out of sight,
have never never been out of heart and mind.
Fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your beautiful
land when I served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office. For us,
returning to Beijing is a homecoming. Our work was a source of
great personal satisfaction, a happy, challenging time in our
lives. We went to church, played ping pong with the Embassy
children, rode bicycles down the hutungs of Beijing, and came to
know so many wonderful Chinese people. We knew then that the
relationship that we would establish between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
We were right. Today, the bridges that we began to build on
that day in October so many years ago join our peoples together
in friendship and respect. Our two countries continue to weave
an increasingly rich fabric of relations through our expanding
trade, and cultural and scientific exchange. American students
study at many of your finest universities and we welcome
thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions across America.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between
our two countries in the years ahead.
I have spoken to the American people of a "new breeze
blowing" in the world today. There is a worldwide movement
toward greater freedom -- freedom of human creativity and freedom
of economic opportunity.
We have all begun to feel the winds of change sweep us
are
toward an exciting and challenging new century. These winds new
sometimes gentle, and sometimes strong and powerful. China was
one of the first nations to feel this new breeze, and like a tree
in winter wind, you have learned to bend and adapt to new ways
and new ideas.
Many challenges lie before our two nations. Together, we
must find political solutions to regional conflicts. We must
foster global growth. And, together, we must seek solutions to
worldwide concerns such as our plant's environment, the threat to
all people of international terrorism, the use and spread of
chemical and biological weapons, and international drug
trafficking in order to make life better for future generations.
I know your leaders share with me a determination to solve
these and other problems and, as President, I look forward to
continuing to work closely with them as I have done in the past.
The American and Chinese share many things but perhaps none
is more important than our strong sense of family. Just a few
weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed by a new grandchild. When
I think of her and the beautiful children of China, my commitment
to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese and
Americans look back upon this time, they will say that the winds
of change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your
friendship, your hospitality and the many warm memories of this
wonderful country Barbara and I take with us.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
It is a great honor for me to be the first American
President to speak to the Chinese people in a live interview. I
feel as if I were speaking to old fiends who, while out of sight,
have never never been out of heart and mind.
Some fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your
beautiful land when I served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office.
For us, returning to Beijing is a homecoming. Our work was a
source of great personal satisfaction; a happy, challenging time
in our lives. We went to church, played ping pong with the
Embassy children, rode bicycles down the hutungs of Beijing, and
came to know so many wonderful Chinese people. We knew then that
the relationship that we would establish between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
We were right. Today, the bridges that we began to build on
that day in October so many years ago join our peoples together
in friendship and respect. Our two countries continue to weave
an increasingly rich fabric of relations through our expanding
trade, and cultural and scientific exchange. American students
study at many of your finest universities and we welcome
thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions across America.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between
our two countries in the years ahead.
I have spoken to the American people of a "new breeze
blowing" in the world today. There is a worldwide movement
toward greater freedom -- freedom of human creativity and freedom
of economic opportunity.
We have all begun to feel the winds of change sweep us
toward an exciting and challenging new century. These winds are
sometimes gentle, sometimes strong and powerful. China was one
of the first nations to feel this new breeze, and like a tree in
the winter wind, you have learned to bend and adapt to new ways
and new ideas.
Many challenges lie before our two nations. Together, we
must find political solutions to regional conflicts. We must
foster global growth. And, together, we must seek solutions to
worldwide concerns such as our planet's environment, the threat
to all people of international terrorism, the use and spread of
chemical and biological weapons, and international drug
trafficking in order to make life better for future generations.
I know your leaders share with me a determination to solve
these and other problems and, as President, I look forward to
continuing to work closely with them as I have done in the past.
The American and Chinese people share many things but
perhaps none is more important than our strong sense of family.
Just a few weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed with a new
grandchild. When I think of her and the beautiful children of
China, my commitment to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese and
Americans look back upon this time, they will say that the winds
of change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your
friendship, your hospitality and the many warm memories of this
wonderful country Barbara and I take with us.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
It is a great honor for me to be the first American
President to speak to the Chinese people in a live interview. I
feel as if I were speaking to old fiends who, while out of sight,
have never never been out of heart and mind.
Some fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your
beautiful land when I served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office.
For us, returning to Beijing is a homecoming. Our work was a
source of great personal satisfaction, a happy, challenging time
in our lives. We went to church, played ping pong with the
Embassy children, rode bicycles down the hutungs of Beijing, and
came to know so many wonderful Chinese people. We knew then that
the relationship that we would establish between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
We were right. Today, the bridges that we began to build on
that day in October so many years ago join our peoples together
in friendship and respect. Our two countries continue to weave
an increasingly rich fabric of relations through our expanding
trade, and cultural and scientific exchange. American students
study at many of your finest universities and we welcome
thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions across America.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between
our two countries in the years ahead.
I have spoken to the American people of a "new breeze
blowing" in the world today. There is a worldwide movement
toward greater freedom -- freedom of human creativity and freedom
of economic opportunity.
We have all begun to feel the winds of change sweep us
are
toward an exciting and challenging new century. These winds new
and
sometimes gentle, and sometimes strong and powerful. China was
one of the first nations to feel this new breeze, and like a tree
in winter wind, you have learned to bend and adapt to new ways
and new ideas.
Many challenges lie before our two nations. Together, we
must find political solutions to regional conflicts. We must
foster global growth. And, together, we must seek solutions to
worldwide concerns such as our planet's environment, the threat
to all people of international terrorism, the use and spread of
chemical and biological weapons, and international drug
trafficking in order to make life better for future generations.
I know your leaders share with me a determination to solve
these and other problems and, as President, I look forward to
continuing to work closely with them as I have done in the past.
The American and Chinese share many things but perhaps none
is more important than our strong sense of family. Just a few
weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed by a new grandchild. When
or with
I think of her and the beautiful children of China, my commitment
to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese and
Americans look back upon this time, they will say that the winds
of change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your
friendship, your hospitality and the many warm memories of this
wonderful country Barbara and I take with us.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR
CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
IT IS A GREAT HONOR FOR ME TO BE THE FIRST AMERICAN
PRESIDENT TO SPEAK TO THE CHINESE PEOPLE IN A LIVE
INTERVIEW. I FEEL AS IF I WERE SPEAKING TO OLD FIENDS
WHO, WHILE OUT OF SIGHT, HAVE NEVER NEVER BEEN OUT OF
HEART AND MIND.
SOME FOURTEEN YEARS AGO, BARBARA AND I CAME TO YOUR
BEAUTIFUL LAND WHEN I SERVED AS CHIEF OF THE U.S. LIAISON
OFFICE.
2
FOR US, RETURNING TO BEIJING IS A HOMECOMING. OUR WORK
WAS A SOURCE OF GREAT PERSONAL SATISFACTION; A HAPPY,
CHALLENGING TIME IN OUR LIVES. WE WENT TO CHURCH, PLAYED
PING PONG WITH THE EMBASSY CHILDREN, RODE BICYCLES DOWN
THE HUTUNGS OF BEIJING, AND CAME TO KNOW so MANY WONDERFUL
CHINESE PEOPLE. WE KNEW THEN THAT THE RELATIONSHIP THAT
WE WOULD ESTABLISH BETWEEN OUR TWO NATIONS WOULD BE A
SPECIAL ONE INDEED.
3
WE WERE RIGHT. TODAY, THE BRIDGES THAT WE BEGAN TO
BUILD ON THAT DAY IN OCTOBER SO MANY YEARS AGO JOIN OUR
PEOPLES TOGETHER IN FRIENDSHIP AND RESPECT. OUR TWO
COUNTRIES CONTINUE TO WEAVE AN INCREASINGLY RICH FABRIC OF
RELATIONS THROUGH OUR EXPANDING TRADE, AND CULTURAL AND
SCIENTIFIC EXCHANGE. AMERICAN STUDENTS STUDY AT MANY OF
YOUR FINEST UNIVERSITIES AND WE WELCOME THOUSANDS OF
CHINESE STUDENTS AND RESEARCHERS TO EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS ACROSS AMERICA.
4
THE UNDERSTANDING AND FRIENDSHIP THAT THESE STUDENTS
HAVE DEVELOPED WILL ONLY HELP TO IMPROVE AND DEEPEN
RELATIONS BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OF A "NEW BREEZE
BLOWING" IN THE WORLD TODAY. THERE IS A WORLDWIDE
MOVEMENT TOWARD GREATER FREEDOM -- FREEDOM OF HUMAN
CREATIVITY AND FREEDOM OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.
WE HAVE ALL BEGUN TO FEEL THE WINDS OF CHANGE SWEEP
US TOWARD AN EXCITING AND CHALLENGING NEW CENTURY. THESE
WINDS ARE SOMETIMES GENTLE, SOMETIMES STRONG AND POWERFUL.
5
CHINA WAS ONE OF THE FIRST NATIONS TO FEEL THIS NEW
BREEZE, AND LIKE A TREE IN THE WINTER WIND, YOU HAVE
LEARNED TO BEND AND ADAPT TO NEW WAYS AND NEW IDEAS.
MANY CHALLENGES LIE BEFORE OUR TWO NATIONS.
TOGETHER, WE MUST FIND POLITICAL SOLUTIONS TO REGIONAL
CONFLICTS. WE MUST FOSTER GLOBAL GROWTH.
6
AND, TOGETHER, WE MUST SEEK SOLUTIONS TO WORLDWIDE
CONCERNS SUCH AS OUR PLANET'S ENVIRONMENT, THE THREAT TO
ALL PEOPLE OF INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM, THE USE AND SPREAD
OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS, AND INTERNATIONAL DRUG
TRAFFICKING IN ORDER TO MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR FUTURE
GENERATIONS.
I KNOW YOUR LEADERS SHARE WITH ME A DETERMINATION TO
SOLVE THESE AND OTHER PROBLEMS AND, AS PRESIDENT, I LOOK
FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM AS I HAVE
DONE IN THE PAST.
7
THE AMERICAN AND CHINESE PEOPLE SHARE MANY THINGS BUT
PERHAPS NONE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OUR STRONG SENSE OF
FAMILY. JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, BARBARA AND I WERE BLESSED
WITH A NEW GRANDCHILD. WHEN I THINK OF HER AND THE
BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN OF CHINA, MY COMMITMENT TO PEACE IS
RENEWED AND REAFFIRMED.
I AM CONFIDENT THAT WHEN FUTURE GENERATIONS OF
CHINESE AND AMERICANS LOOK BACK UPON THIS TIME, THEY WILL
SAY THAT THE WINDS OF CHANGE BLEW FAVORABLY UPON OUR
LANDS.
8
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP, YOUR HOSPITALITY AND THE
MANY WARM MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL COUNTRY BARBARA AND I
TAKE WITH US.
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/18/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
2/20/89 NOON
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
WINSTON
BREEDEN
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments/recommendations to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by NOON, Monday, February 20, 1989, with an
info copy to my office. Sorry for the short turnaround.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
No
changes
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
( (Winston))
February 19, 1989
5:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
It is a great honor for me to be the first American
President to speak to the Chinese people in a live broadcast. I
feel as if I were speaking to old friends who while out of sight
have never been out of heart and mind.
Fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your beautiful
land when I served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office. We knew
at once that the relationship that we would establish between
ourselves and the Chinese people and between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
We were right. Today, the bridges that we began to build on
that day in October so many years ago join our peoples together
in friendship and respect. Our two countries continue to weave
an increasingly rich fabric of relations through our expanding
trade, and cultural and scientific exchange. American students
study at many of your finest universities and we welcome
thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions across America.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between
our two countries in the years ahead.
I have spoken to the American people of a "new breeze
blowing" in the world today. I see a worldwide movement toward
greater freedom -- freedom of human creativy and freedom of
economic opportunity.
We have all begun to feel the winds of change sweep us
toward an exciting and challenging new century. These winds are
sometimes gentle and sometimes strong and powerful. China was
one of the first nations to feel this new breeze and like a young
tree in a winter wind, you have learned to bend and adapt to new
ways and new ideas.
Many challenges lie before our two nations. Together, we
must find political solutions to regional conflicts. We must
foster global growth. And, together, we must seek solutions to
worldwide concerns such as the enviroment of our planet, the
safety of all people from the threat of terrorism, the use and
spread of chemical and biological weapons and international drug
trafficking.
I know your leaders share with me a determination to solve
these and other problems and, as President, I look forward to
continuing to work closely with them as I have done in the past.
The American and Chinese people share many things but
perhaps none is more important than our strong sense of family.
Just a few weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed by a new
grandchild. When I think of her and the beautiful children of
China, my commitment to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese and
Americans look back upon this time, they will say that the winds
of change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your
friendship, your hospitality and the many warm memories of this
wonderful country Barbara and I take with us.
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
2/18/89
2/20/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
,
BATES
UNTERMEYER
WINSTON
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
PINKERTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments/recommendations to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by NOON, Monday, February 20, 1989, with an
info copy to my office. Sorry for the short turnaround.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
No comments.
D.G. Bates.
2/20/89
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
( (Winston))
February 19, 1989
5:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
It is a great honor for me to be the first American
President to speak to the Chinese people in a live broadcast. I
feel as if I were speaking to old friends who while out of sight
have never been out of heart and mind.
Fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your beautiful
land when I served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office. We knew
at once that the relationship that we would establish between
ourselves and the Chinese people and between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
We were right. Today, the bridges that we began to build on
that day in October so many years ago join our peoples together
in friendship and respect. Our two countries continue to weave
an increasingly rich fabric of relations through our expanding
trade, and cultural and scientific exchange. American students
study at many of your finest universities and we welcome
thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions across America.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between
our two countries in the years ahead.
I have spoken to the American people of a "new breeze
blowing" in the world today. I see a worldwide movement toward
greater freedom -- freedom of human creativy and freedom of
economic opportunity.
We have all begun to feel the winds of change sweep us
toward an exciting and challenging new century. These winds are
sometimes gentle and sometimes strong and powerful. China was
one of the first nations to feel this new breeze and like a young
tree in a winter wind, you have learned to bend and adapt to new
ways and new ideas.
Many challenges lie before our two nations. Together, we
must find political solutions to regional conflicts. We must
foster global growth. And, together, we must seek solutions to
worldwide concerns such as the enviroment of our planet, the
safety of all people from the threat of terrorism, the use and
spread of chemical and biological weapons and international drug
trafficking.
I know your leaders share with me a determination to solve
these and other problems and, as President, I look forward to
continuing to work closely with them as I have done in the past.
The American and Chinese people share many things but
perhaps none is more important than our strong sense of family.
Just a few weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed by a new
grandchild. When I think of her and the beautiful children of
China, my commitment to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese and
Americans look back upon this time, they will say that the winds
of change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your
friendship, your hospitality and the many warm memories of this
wonderful country Barbara and I take with us.
! China TV-
THE white HOUSE
washington
Ciccone's comments
Via Gardner on
telephone:
needo to be personalized;
some recollection of
Pres' fine m China.
very respectifully,
Dan
add done done
Document No.
1025
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/18/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2/20/89 NOON
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
,
BATES
UNTERMEYER
WINSTON
BREEDEN
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments/recommendations to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by NOON, Monday, February 20, 1989, with an
info copy to my office. Sorry for the short turnaround.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
February 20, 1989
The NSC concurs with the attached opening remarks for E
the CCTV interview.
B dd:
James W. Cicconi
Brent Scowcroft
Assistant to the President
Assistant to the President for National
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Security Affairs
Ext. 2702
89FEB20 A 9: 01
( (Winston) )
February 19, 1989
5:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
It is a great honor for me to be the first American
President to speak to the Chinese people in a live broadcast. I
feel as if I were speaking to old friends who while out of sight
have never been out of heart and mind.
Fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your beautiful
land when I served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office. We knew
at once that the relationship that we would establish between
ourselves and the Chinese people and between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
We were right. Today, the bridges that we began to build on
that day in October so many years ago join our peoples together
in friendship and respect. Our two countries continue to weave
an increasingly rich fabric of relations through our expanding
trade, and cultural and scientific exchange. American students
study at many of your finest universities and we welcome
thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions across America.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between
our two countries in the years ahead.
I have spoken to the American people of a "new breeze
blowing" in the world today. I see a worldwide movement toward
greater freedom -- freedom of human creativy and freedom of
economic opportunity.
We have all begun to feel the winds of change sweep us
toward an exciting and challenging new century. These winds are
sometimes gentle and sometimes strong and powerful. China was
one of the first nations to feel this new breeze and like a young
tree in a winter wind, you have learned to bend and adapt to new
ways and new ideas.
Many challenges lie before our two nations. Together, we
must find political solutions to regional conflicts. We must
foster global growth. And, together, we must seek solutions to
worldwide concerns such as the plants enviroment of our planet, the
safety of all people from the threat of terrorism, the use and
spread of chemical and biological weapons and international drug
trafficking.
I know your leaders share with me a determination to solve
these and other problems and, as President, I look forward to
continuing to work closely with them as I have done in the past.
The American and Chinese people share many things but
perhaps none is more important than our strong sense of family.
Just a few weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed by a new
grandchild. When I think of her and the beautiful children of
China, my commitment to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese and
Americans look back upon this time, they will say that the winds
of change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your
friendship, your hospitality and the many warm memories of this
wonderful country Barbara and I take with us.
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/18/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2/20/89 NOON
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
WINSTON
BREEDEN
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments/recommendations to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, by NOON, Monday, February 20, 1989, with an
info copy to my office. Sorry for the short turnaround.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
( (Winston) )
February 19, 1989
5:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
It is a great honor for me to be the first American
President to speak to the Chinese people in a live broadcast. I
feel as if I were speaking to old friends who while out of sight
have never been out of heart and mind.
Fourteen years ago, Barbara and I came to your beautiful
land when I served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office. We knew
at once that the relationship that we would establish between
with
ourselves and the Chinese people and between our two nations
would be a special one indeed.
We were right. Today, the bridges that we began to build on
that day in October so many years ago join our peoples together
in friendship and respect. Our two countries continue to weave
an increasingly rich fabric of relations through our expanding
trade, and cultural and scientific exchange. American students
study at many of your finest universities and we welcome
thousands of Chinese students and researchers to educational
institutions across America.
The understanding and friendship that these students have
developed will only help to improve and deepen relations between
our two countries in the years ahead.
I have spoken to the American people of a "new breeze
There is
blowing" in the world today. I see a worldwide movement toward
greater freedom -- freedom of human creativy ánd freedom of
economic opportunity.
We have all begun to feel the winds of change sweep us
toward an exciting and challenging new century. These winds are
sometimes gentle, and sometimes strong and powerful. China was
one of the first nations to feel this new breeze and like a young
tree in a winter wind, you have learned to bend and adapt to new
ways and new ideas.
Many challenges lie before our two nations. Together, we
must find political solutions to regional conflicts. We must
foster global growth. And, together, we must seek solutions to
our planets
>
worldwide concerns such as the enviroment of our planet the
people
safety of all people from the threat to of terrorism, the use and
international
spread of chemical and biological weapons and international drug
trafficking, in order to MAKE LIFE BETTER
FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
I know your leaders share withy me a determination to solve
these and other problems and, as President, I look forward to
continuing to work closely with them as I have done in the past.
The American and Chinese people share many things but
perhaps none is more important than our strong sense of family.
Just a few weeks ago, Barbara and I were blessed by a new
grandchild. When I think of her and the beautiful children of
China, my commitment to peace is renewed and reaffirmed.
I am confident that when future generations of Chinese and
Americans look back upon this time, they will say that the winds
of change blew favorably upon our lands. Thank you for your
friendship, your hospitality and the many warm memories of this
wonderful country Barbara and I take with us.
Very SENSITIVE
I
CHINA BIRTHS. DISCOURAGES