There is no such thing as a perfect time in a relationship as complex and multifaceted as ours with China. Change is a process. It takes time. The changes in China have been huge, and have happened in a relatively short period. But we are under no illusions.
China still has a long, long way to go.
Further engagement will mean further changes. And it will mean having a way to enforce laws and ensure fair play. Our discussion today is not one of commerce versus values. Rather, it is about what is in the long term best interests of America and the rest of the globe. Let us build on the momentum of the positive changes already underway in China.