Political Quotes

“the recent trip by Secretary of State Warren Christopher to the People's Republic of China [PRC], despite criticisms to the contrary, was a necessary one for it underscored to a Chinese audience too used to the accolades of businessmen the importance of human rights to American foreign policy. His visit also accomplished more than is given public credit. Secretary Christopher followed the correct course in going to China and engaging with the Chinese. I applaud him. Thus, for the last few months journalists and interested parties in the international business community have been portraying the country as divided on the issue of human rights and most-favored-nation status. The Chinese have, of course, been trying to encourage the perception of such divisions. The Chinese should harbor no doubt, however, of the President's determination to see significant progress achieved. As the Secretary noted in a press conference after his discussions with the Chinese leadership, he found that differences between China and the United States are narrowing and that it is clear that the Chinese are open to discussion and dialog. The Secretary made progress on several major issues: First, the United States and China signed a joint declaration fully implementing the prison labor agreement. Chinese prison labor facilities will be inspected.…”