中华人民共和国北京 清华大学
(当地时间上午10点35分)
布什总统：胡副主席，非常感谢你的亲切致辞。谢谢你在这里接待我和我的夫人劳拉。(掌声) 我看她与国务卿科林·鲍威尔在一起很愉快。高兴在这里见到你，国务卿先生。(掌声) 我的国家安全事务助理康多莉扎·赖斯女士也在这里。她曾经是斯坦福大学教务长，因此她对来到这样的校园会感到自在。谢谢你的到场。(掌声)
我对我在中国、在世界上最优秀的大学之一受到盛情接待表示感谢，也感到荣幸。很有意思的是，这所大学是通过我国的赞助建立的，目的是进一步发展我们两国之间的关系。我知道这个地方对你们的副主席是多么有意义。他不仅在这里拿到学位，而且更重要的是，他是在这里与他和蔼可亲的妻子相识的。(笑声)
谢谢在座的各位同学给我这个机会与大家见面，对大家谈谈我的国家，并且回答你们的一些问题。
这所大学的水准和名声闻名于世，我知道能考入这所大学本身就是一个很大的成就，我向你们表示祝贺。(掌声) 我不知道你们是否知道，我的夫人和我有两个女儿，她们像你们一样都在上大学。一个上的是得克萨斯大学，另一个上的是耶鲁大学。她们俩是双胞胎。我们为女儿感到骄傲，我相信你们的父母也同样为你们感到骄傲。
正如胡副主席刚才提到的，我这次对中国的访问正值一个重要的纪念日。就在30年前的这个星期，一位美国总统来到中国。他的中国之行的目的是结束长达数十年的隔阂和突破数百年来的相互猜疑。理查德·尼克松总统向世界显示，两个截然不同的政府能够在共同利益的基础上、本着相互尊重的精神开始交往。那天他们离开机场的时候，周恩来总理对尼克松总统说了这样一句话："你与我的握手越过了世界最辽阔的海洋 ─ 25年的互不交往。"
从此以后的30年来，美国与中国多次为友谊和商务而握手。随着我们两国间越来越多的接触，两国人民逐渐加深了对彼此的了解。这具有重要意义。过去，美国只知道中国有着伟大悠久的文明史，而今天我们看到，重视家庭、学业、荣誉的高尚传统依然是中国的特徵。而且我们看到中国正成为世界上最富有活力、最富有创造性的社会之一，在座各位所具备的知识和潜力就是一个体现。中国正在走一条上升之路，美国欢迎一个强大、和平与繁荣的中国的兴起。(掌声)
随着美国对中国有了更多的了解，令我关注的是，中国人民并不总是对我国有一个清晰的认识。这有多种原因，而其中一些是我们自己造成的。我们的电影和电视节目往往没有表现我所知道的美国的真正价值观。我国的商业成功显示的是美国的商业力量，但我们的精神、我们的社区精神和我们的互助并不总是象财富上的成功那样显而易见。
有些关于美国的错误印象则是他人造成的。我的朋友，美国驻中国大使告诉我，中国的一些教科书说美国是"欺负弱者，压迫穷人"。去年出版的一本中国教科书说，美国联邦调查局的特工人员"压迫劳动人民"。这些都不是真实的 ─ 虽然所用的语言可能是过去时代遗留的产物，但是它们是误导性的、有害的。
事实上，美国对弱者和穷人有一种特殊的责任感。我国政府开支数十亿美元，为那些无法自助的人提供医疗保健、食品和住房，而更重要的是，我们的人民捐出自己的钱和时间帮助那些有需要的人。美国人民的同情心甚至超越我们的国界。我们是为世界各地处于贫困的人提供人道援助最多的国家。而联邦调查局和执法部门的男女工作人员，他们本身就是劳动人民，是为打击犯罪和腐败而献身的劳动人民。
毫无疑问，我国自然有自己的问题，我们也有过错。像世界大多数国家一样，我们正走在一条通往实现平等和公正的理想的漫长道路上。但是，我国成为希望和机会的灯塔、成为世界各地人民向往的国度是有其道理的。这个道理就是，我们是一个自由的国家，一个使男女公民都有机会实现梦想的地方。不管你的背景或出生条件如何，你都能在美国获得良好教育，创办自己的生意，生儿育女，自由信仰，自由选举你社区和国家的领导人。你可以支持政府的政策，也可以自由公开地表示不同意见。那些害怕自由的人有时说，自由会导致混乱，其实并不然，因为自由并不意味着人人为自己。
自由赋予每个公民许多权利，同时期待他们行使重要的职责。我们的自由靠道德定出方向和目标，靠牢固的家庭、社区和宗教机制得到规范，靠坚实而公正的法律制度受到监督。
我国在世界上的一个最伟大的象征就是自由女神像，它是精心设计而成的。我不知道你们是否目睹过自由女神像，如果仔细看她的话，她手上举的不是一件、而是两件东西。她的一只手握的是大家熟悉的火炬，我们称之为"自由之光"，而另一只手拿的是一部法典。
美国是一个法制国家。我们的法院是廉洁的，是独立的。就是我作为总统，也不能告诉法院该如何做出裁决，政府行政或立法部门的其他成员也不能这么做。在我们的法律面前人人平等。没有任何人能够凌驾于法律之上，也没有任何人为法律所不耻。
美国的所有政治权力都是有限和暂时的，它只有通过人民的自由投票获得。我们已有两百年历史的宪法限制并且平衡我国政府三个部门之间的权力，这三个部门就是司法、立法和我作为其中一员的行政机构。
在美国，指导我们生活的许多价值观首先是通过家庭陶冶形成的，就象在中国一样，美国的父母疼爱自己的孩子，为了孩子辛勤工作并做出牺牲，因为我们相信下一代人的生活总是会更美好。我们在家庭中得到爱，学到责任感和培养性格。
很多美国人志愿献出自己的一部份时间为他人服务。相当多的人 ─ 将近一半美国成年人 ─ 为使社区更美好而每周奉献自己的时间，他们当孩子的辅导员，探访病人，或照顾老年人，或为成千上万的其它需要和事业提供帮助。这是我国的长处之一。人们主动承担帮助他人的责任，鼓舞他们这么做的不是别人的敦促，而是自己的善良之心，往往还有他们的信仰。
美国是一个受信仰指引的国家。曾经有人称我们是一个"教会精神"国家。你们也许有兴趣知道，95%的美国人说他们信仰上帝，我是其中一个。
几个月前我在上海见到江泽民主席的时候，我荣幸能够与他分享信仰如何改变了我的生活的经历以及信仰对我国的作用。信仰为我们指出一个超越人为法律的道德规范，召唤我们承担比物质成就更为崇高的使命。宗教自由不是什么让人害怕的东西，而应该受到欢迎，因为信仰赋予我们道德的核心，教导我们坚持高标准，爱戴他人和为他人服务，过负责任的生活。
如果你们到美国来 ─ 如果你们还没有到过美国的话，我希望有一天你们能够去 ─ 你们会看到许多不同种族背景和各种宗教信仰的人。我们是一个多元化的国家。有230万华裔人在我们这里定居。他们中有的在公司办公，有的在美国总统内阁里任职，有的是美国奥林匹克滑冰队队员。每个移民在宣誓效忠美国之后便成为一个与总统一样的不折不扣的美国人。美国向世人显示，一个社会无论多么辽阔、多么多样化，它仍然是一个国家，得到其人民的效忠和热爱。
美国的所有这些特徵在一天之中得到广泛的展示。9月11日恐怖主义凶手袭击我国的那一天，数以百计的美国警察和消防队员冲进燃烧的塔楼，奋不顾身地抢救同胞。人们从四面八方志愿来帮助救援工作。美国人为了帮助遇难者家庭而纷纷鲜血和捐款，美国各地都举行祈祷，人们升国旗表达他们的骄傲和团结。要知道，这些行动没有一样是政府下令去做的，而是自由的人民自发和主动的行为。
美国的生活表明，自由与法律同行是无所畏惧的。在一个自由的社会里，多样化并不是混乱无序，辩论也并非冲突，不同政见也不是革命。一个自由的社会相信，它的公民能够从自身和国家寻求最佳感觉。
我有幸在1975年访问中国 ─ 那时在座的有些人还没有出世。这表明我多老了。(笑声)自那时以来中国已经发生了很多变化。中国取得了令人惊异的进步 ─ 在开放、工商业、和经济自由领域。这预示着中国蕴藏的巨大潜力。
中国已经加入世界贸易组织，当你们履行对WTO的义务时，会不可避免地带来中国法律制度的改变。一个现代化的中国必须有一套稳定的法律来管理商务和保证人民的权利。你们这一代人所建设的新中国需要贵国传统中的博大精深的智慧。物质主义的诱惑为我们的社会、为我国社会和许多成功的社会带来挑战。贵国重视个人和家庭责任的古老道德传统将使你们受益。
在中国今天取得的经济成就背后是才华横溢、精力充沛的人。在不远的将来，正是这些男女人才将在贵国政府中全面和积极地发挥作用。这所大学不仅仅在培养专家，而且在培养公民。公民不是自己国家事务的旁观者，而是国家未来的参与者。
变化正在到来。中国已经在地方进行不记名投票和差额选举。将近20年前，中国伟大的领导人邓小平说 ─ 我要各位听到他这句话。他说，中国最终将把民主选举扩展到国家一级。我期待着这一天的到来。
数千万中国人如今在重温佛教、道教和一些地方传统宗教，还有的信仰基督教、伊斯兰教和其它宗教。不管这些信徒在哪里或者如何奉行其宗教，他们都不会对公共治安构成威胁，他们实际上成为好公民。多少世纪以来，中国一直具有宗教宽容的传统。我为结束一切迫害而祈祷，从而在中国所有人都能自由地按照自己的意愿集会和信教。
所有这些变化将引向一个更强大、更自信的中国 ─ 一个能够震惊世界、丰富世界的中国，这是一个你们这一代人将帮助建设起的中国。这是贵国历史上最激动人心的时刻，一个即使是最宏伟的梦想都似乎唾手可得的时刻。
我国向中国表示尊敬和友谊。再过六年，来自美国和世界各地的运动员将到贵国来参加奥林匹克比赛。我坚信，他们看到的将是一个正在变成一个"大国"的中国，一个走在世界前沿的中国，一个人民太平和与世界和平相处的中国。
谢谢你们让我到这里来。(掌声)
问：总统先生，我昨天看了你和江泽民主席联合举行的记者会。你在会上没有清楚地回答一个几乎所有人都关注的问题，即战区导弹防御系统为什么将包括台湾。另外，每当你谈到台湾问题时，你总是使用和平解决这样的字眼，而从不使用和平统一这个词。这之间有什么差别，为什么？
布什总统：谢谢，问得非常好。(掌声) 首先，我想称赞你的英语讲得很好。
关于台湾问题，首先要讲的重要一点是我的政府希望通过和平对话解决这个问题，就像我说过的。但这必须通过和平方式解决。这就是我总是强调和平的原因。另外，"和平"方式这个词是说给双方听的，任何一方都不应挑起 ……(接翻译插话) 。我们同你们的领导人讨论过多次，我重申了支持"一个中国"的政策。长期以来这一直是我国政府的政策，我没有改变这一政策。(掌声)
在导弹防御的问题上，我也阐明了我国将发展防御系统以帮助我们的朋友和盟国以及世界其它国家保护自己，防范企图发展大规模毁灭性武器的无赖国家。对我而言，这对世界和平至关重要。我们尚未研制出一套系统，我昨天也正是这么说的。这是实际情况。我们正在审议是否存在无法研制出一套系统的可能。但我认为它将增进世界稳定，而不是削弱世界稳定。
让我再概括地谈一点，你们有必要了解这一点，我国人民也有必要了解这一点。这就是我的政府致力于和平解决世界各地的问题。我们希望这些问题通过和平方式得到解决。
我们要处理的问题很多。我们正在解决中东问题。如果你跟踪时事的话，就会知道那个地区正处于非常危险的阶段。我们正在努力和平解决那个地区的问题。我们努力使克什米尔问题得到和平解决，这对中国是重要的。我刚刚去过韩国，非常明确地说明了我们希望以和平方式解决朝鲜半岛问题。
请提下一个问题。
问：我将用英语重复一遍我的问题。
布什总统：谢谢。
问：很遗憾，你还是没有明确回答你是否总是使用"和平解决"这个词。你从没有说过"和平统一"。真遗憾。
布什总统：又回到台湾问题上了 ─ (笑声) ─ 继续说。
问：这是我们中国人极为关心的问题。
布什总统：我知道。
问：三天前，你在日本国会发表讲话时说，美国将牢记对台湾的承诺。
布什总统：对。
问：我的问题是，美国是否仍记得对13亿中国人民作出的承诺呢？(掌声) 那就是遵守三个联合公报和"三不"政策。谢谢。
布什总统：非常感谢你。正如我所说，这显然是一个大家关心的问题。我说得再清楚不过了，我迫切希望有一个和平解决的方式，这一方式需要双方来努力。这就是我所说的和平对话的含义。我希望这能在你我的有生之年得以实现。这将是一个重要的里程碑。
其次，当我国一旦签署了协议，我们就会遵守它。我们将遵守《台湾关系法》，它规定在台湾受到挑衅时帮助台湾保卫自己。但我们也表示过，任何一方都不应对和平对话进行挑衅。
下一个问题。这位女士请讲。对不起，不是一位女士，是一位男士。
问：现在让我用英语重复一遍我的问题。总统先生，我是清华大学经济管理学院的学生。我们可以预见中国和美国在科学和文化交流方面有光明的前景。刚才，就在刚才，你高度评价了我们清华大学。请问，如果可能的话，你是否愿意鼓励你的两个女儿到清华大学就读？谢谢。(掌声)
布什总统：恐怕她们已经不再听我的话了。(笑声) 如果你懂我的意思的话。首先，我希望她们到这里来。这是一个令人惊叹的国家。你们知道，我说过我1975 年来过这里。我很难形容发生了的变化。这是令人惊叹的变化。我去年秋天在上海第一次看到了这一变化。
来这里对她们有好处，也会对很多美国学生有好处。我认为我们的学生交流是非常重要的。我想我们的国家肯定欢迎希望到美国求学的中国学生。这对中国学生有好处，同样也对美国学生有好处。
重要的是，大家要认识到，我们两国里的人都是有七情六欲、有烦恼的人。即便是像我和副主席这样上了年级的人 ─ (笑声)。
翻译：对不起，先生？
布什总统：即便是像我和副主席这样上了年级的人 ─ (笑声) ─ 也能够通过花时间了解对方而受益。很明显，我们无法就我们关系中的一些问题百分之地达成共识。但当你了解了一个人之后再谈这些问题，就会好得多。
我们首先是人，一些重要特点是会实实在在地存在。你们知道，我在讲话中谈到了我的家庭。家庭在任何社会中都是这样一个重要的、有机的组成部份。中国有重视家庭的悠久历史，这是一个重要的传统，是你们的文化的一个重要组成部份。我希望人们知道我们的国家也有很强的家庭观念传统。这不是一个国家所特有的理念，而是具有普遍性的。学生通过相互了解能认识到很多价值观所具有的普遍性。这对世界和平有重要意义。
下一个问题。
问：请让我把我的问题翻译成英语。总统先生，我是国际传播系的学生。去年圣诞节前，你的弟弟尼尔·布什访问了清华大学。他当时说，有很多美国人，特别是政界人士，对中国有很多误解。正如你和我们的副主席胡锦涛都说过的，你们都希望努力促进中美关系平稳地向前发展。我的问题是，作为美国总统，你将采取哪些行动促进两国人员在各个层面上的接触和交流？谢谢。
布什总统：谢谢。这是一个非常好的问题。
问：谢谢。
布什总统：首先，我这次访问和我在这里进行的会谈有助于促进 ─ (掌声) ─ 我国人民关注着我在这里的访问。你们应当有兴趣知道，我去年秋天曾经来访，今年冬天又来了 ─ 在很短的时间内来了两次。这能在某种程度上说明我们关系的重要性。
我们的政界领导人到中国访问是重要的。我知道很多人来过，而且还会有更多的人来。我们必须用准确和真实的语言描述我们的所见所闻。我回国后会说这是个伟大的国家，它不仅有悠久的历史，而且有令人难以置信的激动人心的未来。
你们知道，我国有很多人非常关心中国，也有很多人来过中国。他们来到这里不仅是为了观赏美丽的风景，而且是为了更多地了解这里的文化和人民。我们必须继续鼓励两国人民的互访。(录音间断……)
1975年，人人都穿一样的衣服。现在，人们想穿什么就穿什么。看看坐在第一排的人，每个人穿得都不一样。因为你觉得这是我想穿的。你决定穿一件漂亮的红毛衣。当你作出这一决定时，有人就生产出了红毛衣。
换句话说，个人对产品的需求影响生产，而不是生产影响个人需求。认识到个人在市场中的需求是自由社会的一部份，也是自由的含义之一。除新的高楼大厦和建筑工程之外，我认为这是我所看到的最重要的变化。
而最重要的是让人们自由地做出决定。这一自由将带来其它自由。这能让你们理解为什么今天同我1975年时的记忆相比有翻天覆地的变化。我的意思是，这是令人赞叹的变化，是向更好的方向转变。
我将回答最后一个问题，然后就得去和你们的主席共进午餐了。(笑声) 那位穿蓝衣服的先生。
问：谢谢布什先生。总统先生，感谢你给我这个机会提最后一个问题。我读过你的自传，你写到了今日美国存在的一些社会问题，如校园暴力、少年犯罪和贫困儿童问题等。我们知道，我们的一位清华校友去年在美国留学期间遭到杀害。我深感悲痛。我还知道，这种犯罪在今天的美国愈演愈烈。作为总统，你对改善美国目前的人权状况有何良策？谢谢。
布什总统：首先，我高兴地告诉你们暴力犯罪率实际已有所下降。但任何一起犯罪都嫌太多。我的意思是，任何人对邻居施以暴力都是过份的暴力。毫无疑问的是，美国有生活在贫困之中的人。但就像我说过的，我们的政府非常慷慨地大量提供资金帮助人们自食其力。我们参加竞选时辩论的一个重要议题就是如何最好地帮助人们自食其力。
外交政策当然也是竞选中的重要内容，至少是在总统大选中。但你可以想像，美国选民实际上更重视国内政策，更关心国内发生的事。如果经济疲软，像我们目前的这种经济状况，他们就要知道将会发生什么，你有什么样的经济对策。如果经济情况好，他们就不怎么谈经济问题。
但我们总要谈解决你所说的问题的两个关键方面。一是福利，如何建立一个既能帮助有困难的人又不让他们依赖于政府的福利体制。第二个大问题是教育。这不仅是竞选时的一个重要内容，而且往往还是当选后的一项重要任务。
我在担任得克萨斯州州长时常常说，受过教育的孩子是不太会犯罪的孩子。过去作为州长，现在作为总统，我把大量时间用于同两党成员合作制定一个教育计划，确保孩子学到知识，而不是让他们在这个体制中走过场。
在我们国家，一个最让人难过的事实是，有相当一部份小学四年级学生达不到四年级的阅读水平。想想看，一个在小学四年级有阅读困难的孩子，到初中二年级还会有困难。如果一个孩子在初中二年级有阅读困难，他可能高中毕业以后也不能胜任阅读任务，因此会上不了大学。美国的这种情况真令人羞愧。
因此，去年我力争使国会通过了一个教育法案，其中有大量关于阅读的项目，我们将同各州和各地方政府合作，集中力量制定一个强调阅读的教育计划。今年，我想和我夫人以及其他人士一起制定一个儿童早期教育计划，为儿童学会如何阅读打下基础。
我确实在一点点切入正题，我向你保证，(笑声) 因为教育是制止犯罪的最佳手段。执法是重要的。让人们对自己的行为负责是重要的。始终如一地贯彻伤人受罚的政策也是重要的。但最符合我国利益的长期解决方法是，确保教育体制适用于所有人。一旦实现了这一点，人们的未来就将更有希望，贫困、绝望和犯罪都将减少。
感谢你们邀请我来。愿上帝保佑你们。(掌声)
(完)
Remarks by President Bush at Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University
Beijing, People's Republic of China
10:35 A.M. (Local)
PRESIDENT BUSH: Vice President Hu, thank you very much for your kind and generous remarks. Thank you for welcoming me and my wife, Laura, here. (Applause.) I see she's keeping pretty good company, with the Secretary of State, Colin Powell. It's good to see you, Mr. Secretary. (Applause.) And I see my National Security Advisor, Ms. Condoleezza Rice, who at one time was the provost at Stanford University. So she's comfortable on university campuses such as this. Thank you for being here, Condi. (Applause.)
I'm so grateful for the hospitality, and honored for the reception at one of China's, and the world's, great universities.
This university was founded, interestingly enough, with the support of my country, to further ties between our two nations. I know how important this place is to your Vice President. He not only received his degree here, but more importantly, he met his gracious wife here. (Laughter.)
I want to thank the students for giving me the chance to meet with you, the chance to talk a little bit about my country and answer some of your questions.
The standards and reputation of this university are known around the world, and I know what an achievement it is to be here. So, congratulations. (Applause.) I don't know if you know this or not, but my wife and I have two daughters who are in college, just like you. One goes to the University of Texas. One goes to Yale. They're twins. And we are proud of our daughters, just like I'm sure your parents are proud of you.
My visit to China comes on an important anniversary, as the Vice President mentioned. Thirty years ago this week, an American President arrived in China on a trip designed to end decades of estrangement and confront centuries of suspicion. President Richard Nixon showed the world that two vastly different governments could meet on the grounds of common interest, in the spirit of mutual respect. As they left the airport that day, Premier Zhou Enlai said this to President Nixon: "Your handshake came over the vastest ocean in the world--25 years of no communication."
During the 30 years since, America and China have exchanged many handshakes of friendship and commerce. And as we have had more contact with each other, the citizens of both countries have gradually learned more about each other. And that's important. Once America knew China only by its history as a great and enduring civilization. Today, we see a China that is still defined by noble traditions of family, scholarship, and honor. And we see a China that is becoming one of the most dynamic and creative societies in the world -- as demonstrated by the knowledge and potential right here in this room. China is on a rising path, and America welcomes the emergence of a strong and peaceful and prosperous China. (Applause.)
As America learns more about China, I am concerned that the Chinese people do not always see a clear picture of my country. This happens for many reasons, and some of them of our own making. Our movies and television shows often do not portray the values of the real America I know. Our successful businesses show a strength of American commerce, but our spirit, community spirit, and contributions to each other are not always visible as monetary success.
Some of the erroneous pictures of America are painted by others. My friend, the Ambassador to China, tells me some Chinese textbooks talk of Americans of "bullying the weak and repressing the poor." Another Chinese textbook, published just last year, teaches that special agents of the FBI are used to "repress the working people." Now, neither of these is true -- and while the words may be leftovers from a previous era, they are misleading and they're harmful.
In fact, Americans feel a special responsibility for the weak and the poor. Our government spends billions of dollars to provide health care and food and housing for those who cannot help themselves -- and even more important, many of our citizens contribute their own money and time to help those in need. American compassion also stretches way beyond our borders. We're the number one provider of humanitarian aid to people in need throughout the world. And as for the men and women of the FBI and law enforcement, they're working people; they, themselves, are working people who devote their lives to fighting crime and corruption.
My country certainly has its share of problems, no question about that. And we have our faults. Like most nations we're on a long journey toward achieving our own ideals of equality and justice. Yet there's a reason our nation shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity, a reason many throughout the world dream of coming to America. It's because we're a free nation, where men and women have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. No matter your background or your circumstance of birth, in America you can get a good education, you can start your own business, you can raise a family, you can worship freely, and help elect the leaders of your community and your country. You can support the policies of our government, or you're free to openly disagree with them. Those who fear freedom sometimes argue it could lead to chaos, but it does not, because freedom means more than every man for himself.
Liberty gives our citizens many rights, yet expects them to exercise important responsibilities. Our liberty is given direction and purpose by moral character, shaped in strong families, strong communities, and strong religious institutions, and overseen by a strong and fair legal system.
My country's greatest symbol to the world is the Statue of Liberty, and it was designed by special care. I don't know if you've ever seen the Statue of Liberty, but if you look closely, she's holding not one object, but two. In one hand is the familiar torch we call the "light of liberty." And in the other hand is a book of law.
We're a nation of laws. Our courts are honest and they are independent. The President -- me -- I can't tell the courts how to rule, and neither can any other member of the executive or legislative branch of government. Under our law, everyone stands equal. No one is above the law, and no one is beneath it.
All political power in America is limited and it is temporary, and only given by the free vote of the people. We have a Constitution, now two centuries old, which limits and balances the power of the three branches of our government, the judicial branch, the legislative branch, and the executive branch, of which I'm a part.
Many of the values that guide our life in America are first shaped in our families, just as they are in your country. American moms and dads love their children and work hard and sacrifice for them, because we believe life can always be better for the next generation. In our families, we find love and learn responsibility and character.
And many Americans voluntarily devote part of their lives to serving other people. An amazing number -- nearly half of all adults in America -- volunteer time every week to make their communities better by mentoring children, or by visiting the sick, or caring for the elderly, or helping with thousands of other needs and causes. This is one of the great strengths of my country. People take responsibility for helping others, without being told, motivated by their good hearts and often by their faith.
America is a nation guided by faith. Someone once called us "a nation with the soul of a church." This may interest you -- 95 percent of Americans say they believe in God, and I'm one of them.
When I met President Jiang Zemin in Shanghai a few months ago, I had the honor of sharing with him how faith changed my life and how faith contributes to the life of my country. Faith points to a moral law beyond man's law, and calls us to duties higher than material gain. Freedom of religion is not something to be feared, it's to be welcomed, because faith gives us a moral core and teaches us to hold ourselves to high standards, to love and to serve others, and to live responsible lives.
If you travel across America -- and I hope you do some day if you haven't been there -- you will find people of many different ethic backgrounds and many different faiths. We're a varied nation. We're home to 2.3 million Americans of Chinese ancestry, who can be found working in the offices of our corporations, or in the Cabinet of the President of the United States, or skating for the America Olympic team. Every immigrant, by taking an oath of allegiance to our country, becomes just as just as American as the President. America shows that a society can be vast and it can be varied, yet still one country, commanding the allegiance and love of its people.
And all these qualities of America were widely on display on a single day, September the 11th, the day when terrorists, murderers, attacked my nation. American policemen and firefighters, by the hundreds, ran into burning towers in desperation to save their fellow citizens. Volunteers came from everywhere to help with rescue efforts. Americans donated blood and gave money to help the families of victims. America had prayer services all over our country, and people raised flags to show their pride and unity. And you need to know, none of this was ordered by the government; it happened spontaneously, by the initiative of free people.
Life in America shows that liberty, paired with law is not to be feared. In a free society, diversity is not disorder. Debate is not strife. And dissent is not revolution. A free society trusts its citizens to seek greatness in themselves and their country.
It was my honor to visit China in 1975 -- some of you weren't even born then. It shows how old I am. (Laughter.) And a lot has changed in your country since then. China has made amazing progress -- in openness and enterprise and economic freedom. And this progress previews China'a great potential.
China has joined the World Trade Organization, and as you live up to its obligations, they inevitably will bring changes to China's legal system. A modern China will have a consistent rule of law to govern commerce and secure the rights of its people. The new China your generation is building will need the profound wisdom of your traditions. The lure of materialism challenges our society -- challenges society in our country, and in many successful countries.
Your ancient ethic of personal and family responsibility will serve you well.
Behind China's economic success today are talented, brilliant and energetic people. In the near future, those same men and women will play a full and active role in your government. This university is not simply turning out specialists, it is preparing citizens. And citizens are not spectators in the affairs of their country. They are participants in its future.
Change is coming. China is already having secret ballot and competitive elections at the local level. Nearly 20 years ago, a great Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping, said this -- I want you to hear his words. He said that China would eventually expand democratic elections all the way to the national level.
I look forward to that day.
Tens of millions of Chinese today are relearning Buddhist, Taoist, and local religious traditions, or practicing Christianity, Islam, and other faiths.
Regardless of where or how these believers worship, they're no threat to public order; in fact, they make good citizens. For centuries, this country has had a tradition of religious tolerance. My prayer is that all persecution will end, so that all in China are free to gather and worship as they wish.
All these changes will lead to a stronger, more confident China -- a China that can astonish and enrich the world, a China that your generation will help create. This is one of the most exciting times in the history of your country, a time when even the grandest hopes seem within your reach.
My nation offers you our respect and our friendship. Six years from now, athletes from America and around the world will come to your country for the Olympic games. And I'm confident they will find a China that is becoming a da guo, a leading nation, at peace with its people and at peace with the world.
Thank you for letting me come. (Applause.)
Q Mr. President, yesterday I watched the press conference made by you and President Jiang Zemin. At the conference, you didn't clearly answer a question, which is a concern by almost everybody. It's why the TMD system will cover Taiwan. And what's more, whenever you talk about the Taiwan issue, you always use a phrase just like, peaceful settlement. You never use the phrase, peaceful reunification. What's the difference and why?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, very good question. (Applause.) First of all, I want to compliment you on your English. Very good.
The first thing that is important on the Taiwan issue is that my government hopes there is a peaceful, as I said, dialogue, that there is a settlement to this issue. But it must be done in a peaceful way. That's why I keep emphasizing peaceful. And, by the way, "peaceful" is a word intended for both parties, that neither party should provoke that -- go ahead, I'm sorry.
THE INTERPRETER: First of all -- sorry.
PRESIDENT BUSH: She's correcting my English. (Laughter.)
THE INTERPRETER: I'm sorry, Mr. President. (Continues in Chinese.)
PRESIDENT BUSH: We've had many discussions with your leaders, and I've reiterated support for the one China policy. It's been my government's policy for a long period of time, and I haven't changed it. (Applause.)
I also, in your question about missile defenses, have made it clear that our nation will develop defenses to help our friends, our allies, and others around the world protect ourselves from rogue nations that have the -- that are trying to develop weapons of mass destruction. To me, that is essential for peace in the world. We have yet to develop a system, and therefore, that's exactly what I said yesterday. And it's the truth. But we're in the process of seeing if we can't develop a system. And I think it will bring more stability to the world than less.
And let me just say one general comment that's very important for you to know. And it's also important for the people of my country to know -- that my administration is committed to peacefully resolving issues around the world. We want the issues resolved in a peaceful manner.
And we've got a lot of issues that we deal with. We're dealing in the Middle East. And if you follow the news, it's a very dangerous period of time there. We're working hard to bring peaceful resolution there. We're working hard to bring a peaceful resolution to Kashmir, which is important for China. And I recently went to Korea and I made it very clear that we want to resolve the issues on the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful way.
Another question, please?
Q I'll repeat my question in English.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.
Q It's a pity you still haven't given us -- sorry -- give us a clear question about whether you always use the peaceful settlement. You have never said "peaceful reunification." It's a pity.
PRESIDENT BUSH: We're back on Taiwan again -- (laughter) -- go ahead.
Q This is a question our Chinese people are extremely concerned about.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Yes, I know.
Q Three days ago, during your speech in the Japanese Parliament, you said, the United States will still remember its commitment to Taiwan.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Right.
Q But my question is, does the U.S. still remember its commitment to 1.3 billion Chinese people? (Applause.) Abiding by the three Joint Communiques and three notes. Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you very much. As I said, this seems to be a topic on people's mind, obviously. I can't say it any more clearly, that I am anxious that there be a peaceful resolution that's going to require both parties to come to a solution. And that's what I mean by peaceful dialogue. And I hope it happens in my lifetime and I hope it happens in yours. It will make a -- it will be an important milestone.
And, secondly, when my country makes an agreement, we stick with it. And there is called the Taiwan Relations Act, and I honor that act, which says we will help Taiwan defend herself if provoked. But we've also sent the same message that there should be no provocation by either party for a peaceful dialogue.
Next question. Yes, ma'am. That's not a ma'am; that's a male. Sorry. Actually, I said, yes, ma'am, but --
Q Now, please let me repeat my question in English. Mr. President, I'm a student coming from the School of Economics and Management in Tsinghua University. As we can see, China and the United States have a bright future in scientific and cultural exchanges. Now -- just now, you have made warm remarks about our universities. So my question is, if possible, do you -- will you be happy to encourage your daughters to study in our university? Thank you. (Applause.)
PRESIDENT BUSH: I'm afraid they don't listen to me anymore. (Laughter.) If you know what I mean. Let me -- first of all, I hope they do come here. It is an amazing country. You know, as I said, I was here in 1975. It is hard for me to describe the difference. It is an amazing transformation. I first saw that in Shanghai, earlier this fall -- or last fall.
They would benefit from coming here, as would a lot of other United States students. I think our student exchange program is very important. I think our nation must be welcoming to Chinese students who would like to go study in America. I think that would benefit the students, but, as importantly, it would benefit American students.
It's so important for people to realize in both our countries that we're dealing with human beings that have got desires and loves and frustrations. Even old citizens like me and the Vice President -- (laughter.)
THE INTERPRETER: I'm sorry, sir?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Even old citizens like me and the Vice President -- (laughter) -- can benefit by spending time getting to know each other. Obviously, there are some issues in our relationship that we don't see 100 percent -- don't have a 100 percent agreement on. But it is so much better to discuss these issues after you get to know a person, as a person.
We're human beings, first and foremost. There are just some important characteristics that are real. And, you know, I talked about my families in my speech. Family is just such an important, integral part of any society. And China has got a grand history of honoring family that is an important tradition, an important part of your culture. And I hope my country, as well, has a -- is known for a strong tradition of family. That's a concept that is not owned by a particular country; it is universal. And when students get to know each other, they learn the universality of many values. And that's going to be important for peace in the world.
Another question?
Q Please let me translate my question in English. Mr. President, I'm a student from Center for International Communication Studies. Younger Bush Neil Bush visited our university just before last Christmas, and he mentioned that there are many Americans, especially politicians, have a lot of misunderstandings about China. So just like -- just as our Vice President Hu Jintao and you mentioned, you all want to make efforts to promote the Sino-American relationship to go ahead smoothly. So my question is, being the President of the United States, what will it take -- some action to promote the contacts and exchanges between the two countries, between the peoples at all different levels? Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, thank you, that's a very good question.
Q Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, first of all, my trip here and my discussion here helps promote -- (applause) -- people in my country are paying attention to my visit here. And it should interest you that I was here in the fall and I'm back here again in the winter -- twice, in a very brief period of time. That should say something about the importance of our relationships.
It's important for our political leaders to come to China. And I know many have, and more ought to come. It's important for the rhetoric, when we describe what we've seen to be accurate and real. And when I go back home, I describe a great nation, a nation that has not only got a great history, but an unbelievably exciting future.
Many people in my country are very interested in China, and many come, as you know. They come to not only see the beautiful countryside, but they come to learn more about the culture and the people. And we've got to continue to encourage travel between both our countries. (gap in feed --)
In 1975, everybody wore the same clothes. Now, people pick their own clothes. Just look here on the front row, everybody's dressed differently. Because you thought, this is what you wanted. You made the decision to wear a beautiful red sweater. And when you made that decision, somebody made it.
And, in other words, the person, the individual, the demand for a product influences the production, as opposed to the other way around. Recognizing the desires of the individual in the marketplace is part of a free society. It is a part of the definition of freedom. And I see that as the most significant change that I can see, besides the new buildings and all the construction.
But the most important thing is the human dimension of freeing people to decide for themselves. And with that freedom comes other freedoms. So you can understand why the transformation from my memory of 1975 to today is significant. I mean, it is an amazing change -- for the better, I might add.
I'll answer one more question, then I've got to go have lunch with your President. (Laughter.) Yes, sir, in the blue.
Q Thank you, Mr. Bush. Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the last chance to ask you a question. I have read your autobiography, and in it you wrote about some social problem in the U.S. today, just like the violence in campus and juvenile delinquency, and such as the children in poverty. And we know -- a former schoolmate of our university, Tsinghua, and he studied in USA and was killed last year. And I feel so sad. And I know this kind of crime has become more and more serious in today U.S. As the President, do you have any good plan to improve the human rights today in the U.S.? Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Sure. Well, first of all, I'm proud to report that violent crime actually is going down. But any crime is too much crime. I mean, anytime somebody is violent toward their neighbor, it's too much violence. And there's no question, we've got people living in poverty. But, as I mentioned, our government is very generous in the amounts of money we spend trying to help people help themselves. When we all campaigned for office, one of the big debates is how best to help people help themselves.
Foreign policy is an important part of our campaigns, of course -- at least for President. But the American voter really is more focused on domestic politics, what's happening at home, as you can imagine. If the economy is soft, like ours is now, they want to know what's going to happen -- what are you doing about the economy? If the economy's good, then they don't talk much about the economy.
But always we talk about two key issues to address your problem. One is welfare; how do we structure a welfare system that helps people in need, and in my judgment, should not make them dependent upon their government. And the other big issue is education. It's always not only an important part of campaigns, but it's an important part of being -- once you're in office.
When I was the governor of Texas, I used to always say, an educated child is one less likely to commit a crime. As a governor, and now as President, I have spent a lot of time working with members of both political parties to develop an education plan that starts making sure children learn before they just get shuffled through the system.
One of the saddest facts about my country is that there are a significant number of fourth grade students who cannot read at grade level. Imagine a child who can't read in the fourth grade is a child that's not going to be able to read in the eighth grade. And if a child can't read in the eighth grade, it's likely that child's not going to be able to read sufficiently when they get out of high school, and therefore won't be able to go to college. It's a shame in America that that's the case.
So as part of an education bill I managed to get through Congress last year, we've got a significant reading initiative, where we'll work with the states and the local jurisdictions to focus on an education program that emphasizes reading. This year I hope to work with my wife and others on a early childhood development program, so the youngsters get the building blocks to learn how to read.
I'm actually working my way to your question, I promise you. (Laughter.) Because education is the best anti-crime program. It's important to enforce law. It's important to hold people accountable for their actions. It is important to have consistent policy that says, if you harm somebody, there will be a punishment for that harm. But in the best interests for my country, the long-term solution is to make sure the education system works for everybody. And when that happens, there will be a more hopeful future for people, and there will be less poverty, less hopelessness, and less crime.
Listen, thank you for letting me come. God bless you all. (Applause.)
