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ideological divisions that currently divide us. And, most importantly, we must
provide a better quality of life for both of our peoples. It will be easier to
accomplish these tasks if we work together rather than at cross purposes.
In the words of an ancient proverb:a journey of a thousand miles begins with a
single step. I consider my presence here today to be a single step -- albeit it a
small one --on which I hope we can build a better relationship between the
Chinese and American people.
China and America have common interests in many areas.In some ways,
we also have very close ties. Chinese-Americans are part of the United States'
technological, cultural, scientific, business, and industrial fabrics. For example,
household names such as Yo-Yo Ma, the cellist, whose music has mesmerized
the world; Michael Chang, the tennis player, whose "never quit" attitude has
inspired millions; David Ho, Time magazine's most recent "Man-of-the-Year,"
whose work may unlock the mystery of the AIDS virus; I. M. Pei, the great
architect; and Yang Chen Ning and Lee Tseng-Dao, whose brilliant scientific
work profoundly changed our views of the physical universe. I understand that
even taxicab drivers in China are familiar with their names. These Chinese-
Americans have greatly enriched the United States and their leadership has had
a profound impact on our success.
Many in China's scientific and engineering community have received at least
some of their education in the United States. For example, I learned that
President Fu-Jia Yang has spent much time in the United States and recently
co-authored a book on nuclear and atomic physics with Professor Joseph
Hamilton of Vanderbilt University. Many of Fudan University's faculty are
graduates of American universities. The President of the Chinese Academy of
Engineering, President Zhu Guang-Ya graduated from the University of
Michigan. And I know that one of President Jiang Zemin's sons, Jiang Ming-Han,
received his doctorate in electrical engineering and physics from Drexel
University in Philadelphia.
As a United States Congressman, I am proud that American educational
institutions have played a role in providing some of China's modern intellectual
foundations. This academic interaction is good for both our countries.
Today, I would like to provide you with one perspective on the challenges
and opportunities we face in our bilateral relationship and to identify those
areas where I believe our interests coincide. Specifically, I would like to
address three main topics:economic development, foreign and defense
policy, and environmental concerns.
Many in America see the United States primarily as an Atlantic power. Our
relationship with Europe and the countries of the Atlantic often seem to eclipse
our ties to the East and the countries of the Pacific. But the truth is America is
