Curt Weldon's Lincoln Lecture
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issues we discussed at the recent Manila conference. I have extended an
invitation to Mr. Xie to attend the meeting and look forward to a productive
working relationship with your country in the years to come.
Insummary, let me reiterate that our relations present us with many challenges
and many opportunities. Turning the challenges into opportunities will require
patience, good will, and candid dialogue.
Our two countries are embarked upon a journey of a thousand miles. We must
begin to take single steps if we are to complete the journey in peace and
prosperity. As we prepare to enter the next millennium, let us resolve to work
together to ensure that future generations do not have to deal with the same
distrust and ideological hostility that have characterized our relationship to date.
As I told my hosts during my first visit to your country, I am committed to fostering
a positive relationship between our two countries. It is not my intention to be a
"one-time only" traveler to China. [There is a particular Chinese phrase for this.]
I hope to return many times to learn more about what is happening here, to
explore additional areas of potential bilateral cooperation, and to foster a closer
friendship between our two peoples.
The Chinese people have much to teach the rest of the world about the qualities
of strength, hard work, and endurance. Those of you who study at Fudan
University have more than just an obligation to be good students; you have a
responsibility to be good teachers as well. In time, and with some good fortune,
we may both learn the appropriate lessons so that in the 21st century China and
the United States can lead, as equal partners, the efforts to improve the plight of
humans all over the globe.
Thank you very much.
