TRANSCRIPT: 3/1 ALBRIGHT-TANG JOINT PRESS AVAILABILITY
(U.S., China share interest in stable, prosperous Asia)Beijing -- The United States and China have a common interest in a stable, prosperous Asia, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said in a joint press availability with Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan March 1.
"We have a firm foundation for gains in the interest we share in a stable, prosperous Asia, where differences are resolved peacefully, economic cooperation is practiced and the rule of law is observed," she said. "Our challenge is to build and broaden these shared interests so that the differences we still have are narrowed and do not obstruct the spirit of partnership our leaders have forged."
Albright said that the issue of human rights would be one of the major subjects she would be discussing in upcoming meetings with Foreign Minister Tang.
"We have deplored the actions that have taken place recently and I will raise those issues with the Foreign Minister," she said. "We want to have a principal and purposeful engagement with China; that is the basis of our policy. And as President Clinton has said a number of times, it is very important for China to be on the right side of history."
The United States and China have "a multi-faceted relationship," Albright said.
"We determined some time ago that it was not a good idea to link human rights and trade, and that we actually make better progress in both when they are not linked. So I will be raising human rights issues but at the same time I will make clear that we believe that progress on WTO (World Trade Organization) accession is important," she said.
According to Albright, international cooperation on trade and finance issues, such as the global financial crisis, is critical.
"It is very important that China has not devalued its currency," Albright said. "As we have analyzed the Asian financial crisis, it has become increasingly evident that it is not just Asian; it is a global financial crisis. And cooperation on how to deal with it is absolutely essential.
"Also, it has become very evident that we need to think a little bit about the international, financial structures and how they are going serve all of us as we move into the 21st century," she continued. "This is a subject that President Clinton is very interested in and he is going to be taking it up with world leaders. Obviously when the Prime Minister (of China) comes, this will be a subject of discussion. This is also a reason that it is important, I think, to both China and the United States to move forward on the WTO."
Following is the official transcript of the joint press availability:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN
(Beijing, China)
For Immediate ReleaseMarch 1, 1999
JOINT PRESS AVAILABILITY
WITH
SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT AND
FOREIGN MINISTER TANG JIAXUANDiaoyutai Guest House #12
BeijingFOREIGN MINISTER TANG: (through interpreter) I'm very delighted to welcome the visit to China again by Secretary Albright. There's no doubt that the successful exchange of visits between the Presidents of China, and the United States -- and the decision made by the two sides to work together to build towards a constructive, strategic partnership between China and the United States -- has set forth the framework and the orientation for growth of China-U.S. relations oriented towards the 21st century, thus bringing our bilateral relations into a new state of growth.
Our two sides are conducting exchanges and cooperation of various kinds in extensive bilateral areas and have also made important progress. Our two sides have also conducted effective cooperation in alleviating the Asian financial crisis, checking the South Asia nuclear arms race, and other major international issues. Generally speaking, China-U.S. relations are faced with the opportunities for further improvement and growth.
Meanwhile, we have also noted that a handful of anti-China elements within the United States are going all-out to interfere with and obstruct the normal development of China-U.S. relations. Their acts have run totally against the trend of historical development, nor do they serve the aspiration and interests of the general public in the United States, so their acts are doomed to failure.
I wish to point out emphatically here that the Taiwan question has always been the most important and the most sensitive issue at the core of China-U.S. relations. Only by acting in strict accordance with the relevant principles set forth in the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques can China-U.S. relations enjoy a steady and a smooth growth.
As for the difference of views between China and the United States over certain issues due to their different national conditions and other factors, we have all along maintained that these differences of views should be handled appropriately, in accordance with the recognized norms governing international relations, such as mutual respect, consultations on equal footing, and no interference in each other's internal affairs.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. The history of the development of China-U.S. relations over the past two decades has shown that improvement and growth of China-U.S. relations serve the fundamental interests of our two peoples and represent the common desire and aspiration of our two peoples, and also serve the promotion of peace and stability in Asia Pacific, and the world as a whole. China and the United States should work in concerted effort to remove disturbances and promote continued growth of China-U.S. relations.
I wish to take this opportunity to announce that at the invitation of President Clinton, Premier Zhu Rongji of China is going to pay an official visit to the United States in April this year. This will be an important visit to the United States by China's Premier in 15 years and will be another major event of great significance in our bilateral relations following the successful exchange of visits between our two Presidents.
We hope and trust that through the joint efforts of both the Chinese and U.S. sides, Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to the United States will further enhance our mutual understanding and expand the mutual beneficial cooperation between the two countries in wide-ranging areas, and will also promote our bilateral relations to develop in a sound and a stable manner towards the objective of building a constructive, strategic partnership between China and the United States. Now the two sides are making active preparations for Premier Zhu's visit to the United States. My talks with Secretary Albright today will be an important part of these preparations. I'm looking forward to having an extensive and in-depth exchange of views with Secretary Albright on China-U.S. relations and all major issues of mutual interest.
Thank you.
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: Good morning. I am very pleased to be in Beijing and look forward to the meetings that I'm about to have with my friend, the Foreign Minister, and later with President Jiang Zemin, and Premier Zhu Rongji, and Vice-Premier Qian Qichen.
As on my previous visits, I will also be meeting with various experts -- I already have -- to sample current trends in China.
During his visit to Washington last fall, the Foreign Minister observed that autumn is the season of the harvest and referred to the progress we have achieved in improving U.S.-China relations. Today is the first of March, the month of spring, and I hope we will succeed during this visit in sowing the seeds of future progress.
I was very pleased to hear from the Foreign Minister about the official announcement of Premier Zhu's visit and I think that that will also add to improving and working on our relations.
We have a firm foundation for gains in the interest we share in a stable, prosperous Asia, where differences are resolved peacefully, economic cooperation is practiced and the rule of law is observed.
Our challenge is to build and broaden these shared interests so that the differences we still have are narrowed and do not obstruct the spirit of partnership our leaders have forged.
Success in this effort will require frankness and hard work. My hosts are renowned for both and I arrive here committed to finding ways to move ahead on the many core issues in our relationship. These include regional security, nonproliferation, trade, human rights and responding to global problems.
As the Foreign Minister mentioned, at the beginning of this year the United States and China marked the twentieth anniversary of renewed diplomatic relations. And I must say I was very pleased to be in the Carter White House at the time. During those two decades, we have learned and achieved much. Both nations have changed dramatically as the world has become more open.
And I look forward to discussing with Foreign Minister Tang and others here in Beijing the steps we can take to ensure that the future change is constructive. So that we are able to move further down the path of cooperation to the benefit of both our nations and the world.
Thank you.
Q: Mr. Tang, this question is for you, and perhaps for the Secretary too. In the past week the United States has taken several steps which seem to upset China, irritated China. To what extent has these steps soured the atmosphere for this visit and how do you intend to repair the damage?
FOREIGN MINISTER TANG: (through interpreter) As I said in my opening remarks, it is the consistent position of the Chinese side that with regard to the difference of views or the differences between our two countries over certain issues due to our varying national conditions and different historical traditions and values, we think that these differences should be narrowed. And the common ground should be expanded according to the principal of seeking common ground while putting aside differences and also through dialogues and consultations. In this way we think we can help promote the sound and stable growth of China-U.S. relations. However, with some major issues that directly bear on China's national interest, sovereignty and territorial integrity, China is a country of principals. We of course would express very fully and explicitly our positions and prepositions on these issues.
In my view, not only in the past week, but also recently there has emerged a kind of anti-China undercurrent in the United States. But I don't think this undercurrent represents the main stream in the course of China-U.S relations. And I believe that both the Chinese and the U.S. governments have the responsibility of standing on the high ground of our times and history and looking to the next century to remove obstacles to the growth of our bilateral relations preceding from the larger interest of our bilateral relations and the fundamental interests of our two peoples to ensure a sound and a stable growth of China -U.S. relations. And I think my talks with Secretary Albright today will be very important. So, based on what I said I have quite high expectations for the talks today.
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: If I could just add to that, let me say that while Foreign Minister Tang has expressed very well the fact that we have work to do together to narrow the differences. He and I have had many contacts in the last year and we work together very well, and I think that we are both prepared for frank discussions. So I am very glad that I am able to be in Beijing at this time because it is an important time as we get ready for the Prime Minister's visit and deal with the issues that we agree on and the issues that we disagree on.
Q: Just as you two said, China and the United States have conducted cooperation in many areas over the past year and more. China, in order to alleviate the Asian financial crisis, has persisted in a policy of not to depreciate the currency (inaudible) and China has paid a price for that and also has made great contributions to the recovery of the regional and world economy. China and the United States have conducted quite fruitful cooperation in the international financial field. So my question is for the Secretary. What is your comment on the cooperation between the two countries in this area and how do you see the prospect of the continued cooperation between the two countries in this field in the new year?
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: Well first of all, let me say that it is very important that China has not devalued its currency. As we have analyzed the Asian financial crisis, it has become increasingly evident that it is not just Asian; it is a global financial crisis. And cooperation on how to deal with it is absolutely essential. Also, it has become very evident that we need to think a little bit about the international, financial structures and how they are going serve all of us as we move into the 21st century. This is a subject that President Clinton is very interested in and he is going to be taking it up with world leaders. Obviously when the Prime Minister comes, this will be a subject of discussion. This is also a reason that it is important, I think, to both China and the United States to move forward on the WTO. And we believe that there has been some progress in negotiations and obviously more is needed, but I think this is a sign of our growing cooperation in areas of trade and finance.
Q: Madam Secretary, I'm Rebecca MacKinnon with CNN. My question is, are you going to be asking the Chinese to take specific steps in the areas of human rights in order to show improvement and will you be indicating that certain things will or will not happen in the event that these steps are not taken, for instance on WTO, or for instance on a resolution at the United Nations? Will there be specific examples discussed or will the discussions on human rights stick to the general? Also, could you please give some reaction to the Israeli bombings in southern Lebanon, if possible? Thank you.
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: Let me say first of all, obviously the issue of human rights is going to be one of the major subjects that I take up with the Foreign Minister -- one of great concern. We have deplored the actions that have taken place recently and I will raise those issues with the Foreign Minister. We want to have a principal and purposeful engagement with China; that is the basis of our policy. And as President Clinton has said a number of times, it is very important for China to be on the right side of history. At the same time, I think we have all made clear and I will again that we have a multi-faceted relationship with China. And we determined some time ago that it was not a good idea to link human rights and trade, and that we actually make better progress in both when they are not linked. So I will be raising human rights issues but at the same time I will make clear that we believe that progress on WTO accession is important.
Now, on Israel and Lebanon, let me just say that we are obviously concerned about what is happening there and are urging all sides - all parties -- to exercise restraint. And I have authorized a statement to be made on my behalf to all the parties stating just that restraint. There are a variety of allegations and therefore it is important for the Israeli Lebanon monitoring group to be able to deal with them.
Q: I am with CCTV. My question is for Foreign Minister Tang. In the past century China-U.S. relations have undergone twists and turns and ups and downs, and have also made important progress. As mankind is about to enter the 21st Century, what's your expectations and assessment of the long-term development of China-U.S. relations?
FOREIGN MINISTER TANG: (through interpreter) Before answering your question, I would also like to make a few comments on the human rights issue. Just now I listened very carefully to some of the wordings used by Secretary Albright with regard to China's human rights situation. The Chinese Government has all along highly valued the purposes and the spirit for the promotion and the protection of human rights and the fundamental freedoms ensuing in the UN Charter and other international human rights instruments. For many decades the Chinese government has, in accordance with China's constitution and relevant rules and the regulations, worked unremittingly for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of all nationalities in China. And great progress has been made in this regard which is a fact there for all to see in the international community. And we will continue to do so in the future.
The world is a colorful and diverse one. Due to the difference among countries and their national conditions adding other factors, countries may have different ways and the specific practices in realizing and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of their people. But we think what is more important is for all countries in the world to first and foremost address the human rights question well of their own countries. We have all along been prepared to hold a dialogue on human rights with other countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect. However, we have always been opposed to politicizing the human rights question. And we are also firmly opposed to the practice of wantonly interfering in other countries internal affairs by taking advantage of human rights questions as an excuse. I stand ready to have an in-depth exchange of views with Secretary Albright on human rights questions and other issues of mutual interest during our talks today. Here, I just want to emphasize two points which have been on my mind recently and that is: first -- practice has proved that there is no way out for confrontation on this question, and secondly -- to backtrack in this regard will have no future.
Now, I would like to take up the question by CCTV. This year will mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past five decades, since the founding of the People's Republic, China-U.S. relations have traversed a course featuring in the beginning a mutual confrontation, estrangement and then to the gradual improvement and growth. Looking back at the course of development of China-U.S. relations in the past five decades, inspite of all these twists and turns and ups and downs, the general trend of this relationship is gradually moving forward. This development has embodied the energy and the efforts made by the pioneers of our two countries with vision and has also reflected the common aspiration of the Chinese and the American peoples. It also goes with the trend of the development in the international situation towards peace and development.
History has proved, and it will continue to prove, that confrontation and antagonism are undesirable. Exchanges are better than estrangement and cooperation better than confrontation. I believe that as long the principals set forth in the three China-U.S. joint communiqu�� and the joint China-U.S. statement can be observed, especially the principals and the norms governing international relations such as mutual respect, consultations on an equal footing, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, then China-U.S. relations will be able to enjoy constant improvement and growth.
The Presidents of China and the United States have successfully exchanged visits and the leaders of our two countries have stood on the high ground of our times and looked into the next century and they decided to work together to build towards a constructive strategic partnership between China and the United States.
The 21st Century should be a century much better than the 20th Century and the 21st Century should be a century of peace and of development. China and the United States, as the largest developing country and the largest developed country in the world, should further enhance mutual understanding, expand cooperation and work together with the rest of the world to build a more splendid new century.
Thank you.
(end transcript)
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