On the contrary, should development elude China and its 1.2 billion people remain in poverty, should the country fail to maintain stability or even be plunged into social turmoil, this, as Mr. Deng Xiaoping once pointed out, would represent not only bad luck for China but also a disaster of global proportion. With the advent of a new century, mankind has found itself at a historical juncture. Opting for peace and stability and promoting cooperation and development, this has become the theme of our times. Though factors making for durable peace are on the rise, the world is not free from troubles. World peace remains threatened as the old unfair and irrational international economic order is yet to be fundamentally transformed.
Local conflicts break out from time to time.
Environmental degradation, arms proliferation, international crime, terrorism and other cross-border issues have presented new challenges to mankind. This historic subject is now put before the leaders of all countries, including those of China and the United States. Yesterday, President Clinton and I held talks where we had an in depth exchange of views on how to establish a constructive and strategic partnership between China and the United States oriented towards the 21st century. The meeting yielded important achievements. This marks a good beginning in the establishment and development of such a partnership.