The New York Times
Wednesday, June 17, 1998
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE U.S. CONGRESS
To the Members of the 105th Congress:
American foreign policy cannot succeed if it fails to engage China has been a principal objective of American foreign policy since President Nixon's historic visit in 1972, and has been supported by all subsequent administrations of both parties. President Clinton's upcoming visit to the People's Republic of China is a continuation of that policy. It is also an affirmation of the importance of constructive Sino-American relations at a critical moment in Asia. It is thus necessary that the visit take place as scheduled.
The importance of the strategic relationship is underscored by current developments in the region, particularly Asia's financial crisis and the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan. It is likewise in the vital interest of the United States that China continue to open and reform its economy and improve the quality of life of its citizens. We can advance that vital interest by continuing to extend normal trading relations to China.
The President and the Congress share responsibility to shape a policy towards China that reflects basic American interests. America's relationship with China is complicated by legitimate differences in policies and perceptions that need to be cleared up. Serious allegations of wrongdoing that impinge on the relationship are under investigation by the Congress. This effort should receive the full support and cooperation of the Administration and should not be constrained by partisanship or plagued by unpredictability. The price for a failure to forge a strong, consistent policy towards China will be paid in a weakened American ability to shape international events in ways that serve our interests and support our values.
China is destined to become a great economic and political power in the 21st century. The United States should neither fear nor oppose this development. U.S. policy should instead proceed from the premise that our vital national security interests are best served by a China that appreciates America's basic values and becomes a full participant in the international system and institutions which the United States has taken the lead in creating since 1945. Leadership, engagement and commitment on our part are essential to helping China assume such a role.
Sincerely,
George Bush
Hon. James A. Baker, III
Former Secretary of State & Former Secretary of the Treasury
Hon. W. Michael Blumenthal
Former Secretary of the Treasury
Hon. Nicholas F. Brady
Former Secretary of the Treasury
Hon. Harold Brown
Former Secretary of Defense
Hon. Zbigniew Brzezinski
Former National Security Advisor
Hon. Frank C. Carlucci
Former Secretary of Defense
Hon. Dick Cheney
Former Secretary of Defense
Hon. Warren Christopher
Former Secretary of State
Jimmy Carter
Hon. Lawrence S. Eagleburger
Former Secretary of State
Hon. Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
Former Secretary of State
Hon. Henry Kissinger
Former Secretary of State
Hon. Anthony Lake
Former National Security Advisor
Hon. Robert C. McFarlane
Former National Security Advisor
Hon. G. William Miller
Former Secretary of the Treasury
Hon. William J. Perry
Former Secretary of Defense
Hon. Collin L. Powell
Former National Security Advisor
Gerald Ford
Hon. Donald T. Regan
Former Secretary of the Treasury
Hon. Elliot l. Richardson
Former Secretary of Defense
Hon. William P. Roger
Former Secretary of State
Hon. James Schlesinger
Former Secretary of Defense
Hon. Brent Scowcroft
Former National Security Advisor
Hon. George P. Shultz
Former Secretary of State & Former Secretary of the Treasury
Hon. William E. Simon
Former Secretary of Treasury
Hon. Cyrus Vance
Former Secretary of State
This letter is sponsored by the United States-China Education Foundation (USCEF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising public awareness about issues surrounding the relationship between U.S. and China.
www.uscef.com
1615 L Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
USA
