Max Baucus: “I rise to discuss the state visit of Chinese President Jiang Zemin to the United States last week. Let me begin with a…”

“I rise to discuss the state visit of Chinese President Jiang Zemin to the United States last week. Let me begin with a reminder of our goals in Asia policy. They are: A peaceful Pacific, open trade, joint work on problems of mutual concern like environmental problems and international crime, and progress toward respect for internationally recognized human rights. This morning I would like to discuss my view of the results. To begin with the positive, I believe this visit will be particularly helpful in the first area--that of ensuring a stable peace in the Pacific. The major elements of our security policy in the region are the United States alliance with Japan; a permanent troop presence in Asia; deterrence of North Korean aggression; a one-China policy coupled with a commitment to help Taiwan ensure its security; and preventing proliferation of nuclear weapons. We have had a chance to discuss all of these issues in detail with President Jiang and China's senior foreign policy officials. And we have emerged without any serious short-term differences, plus an important agreement on China's part to cease nuclear cooperation with Iran. This will reduce the chances of a crisis in the region, and make peace in the Pacific generally more stable and permanent. I see this renewed strategic dialogue and understanding of our mutual interest in a peaceful region as the major accomplishment of the visit.”