The relationship between our two great nations is the closest it has been in a long time. I was with President Clinton when he visited China in June. I have many good memories. Most of all, I remember standing in the Great Hall of the People, listening to the incredibly frank exchange of our two presidents. Today, as we turn to the commercial side of the relationship, I hope we can be as frank.
Economic diplomacy is indeed at center stage in global affairs.
As long as I am Secretary of Commerce, and I see the ballooning trade deficit between our nations, it is a message you will hear often. This is unfortunate. Trade has been the enduring part of our relationship. When other issues threatened to pull us apart, trade held us together. To be honest, I fear trade issues could lead us to substantial disengagement from China.