US Presidency
1966

Throughout free Asia you can hear the echo of progress. As one Malaysian leader said: Whatever our ethical, cultural, or religious backgrounds, the nations and peoples of Southeast Asia must pull together in the same broad sweep of history. We must create with our own hands and minds a new perspective and a new framework. And we must do it ourselves. For this is the new Asia, and this is the new spirit we see taking shape behind our defense of South Vietnam. Because we have been firm because we have committed ourselves to the defense of one small country other countries have taken new heart. And I want to assure them tonight that we never intend to let you down. America's word will always be good. There is a fourth essential for peace in Asia which may seem the most difficult of all: reconciliation between nations that now call themselves enemies. A peaceful mainland China is central to a peaceful Asia. A hostile China must be discouraged from aggression.