Mr. Ginsberg said Republicans in Congress have cut foreign aid programs and opposed International Monetary Fund agreements that are diplomatic tools designed to help manage crises. In the audience was Nancy Reagan, who frequently tends to business at the library bearing her husband's name. The former president is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. In his 37-minute address, Mr. Bush said the U.S. should hold China accountable for its record on human rights and push Russia to continue to dismantle its nuclear arsenal. But he also called for engaging both nations in ways that expand free trade and boost democracy.
Economic freedom creates habits of liberty.
And habits of liberty create expectations of democracy. There are no guarantees, but there are good examples, from Chile to Taiwan. Trade freely with China and time is on our side. We must deal with China without ill-will, but without illusions. And Mr. Bush reiterated that, as president, he would not hesitate to help Taiwan defend itself against intrusion by Beijing.