But I dare say that China itself has changed, too, as it better understands how world institutions work. The world will benefit from Chinese participation, and so will China. I warmly welcome, therefore, the progress that has been made between the United States and China recently on WTO accession, and hope that we may see speedy resolution of this issue. I want to make two final points on engagement with China. The first is that China needs to be more directly engaged on the future security of our region.
China has a legitimate right to be heard, and a valid contribution to make.
But, likewise, China's regional neighbours want their interests to be respected. The issues involved will require sensitive handling, but also free, open and thorough discussion. In this regard, direct discussions between China and the United States will be vitally important, a subject to which I will return later in my remarks. Change in China is bringing untold pressures on that country's institutions. The Chinese government recognizes the need for new social welfare structures, changes in their system of government, and a more predictable legal framework.