The summit can stabilize the foundation for the relationship as we near the 21st century. Areas where we can expand common ground and enhance coordination are many and varied. Our presence here in Hong Kong highlights for us the shared interest of both the United States and China in Hong Kong's continued stability and prosperity. We have a similar interest in preserving stability and continued access to oil from the Persian Gulf, and in avoiding a nuclear arms race in South Asia. The United States and China also share interest on transnational issues.
Efforts are under way to further cooperation on energy resources and environmental quality issues.
The U.S.-China Environment and Development Forum inaugurated by Vice President Gore and Premier Li Peng during the Vice President's visit to China in March 1997, has an ambitious agenda for collaboration in energy policy, environmental policy, science for sustainable development, and commercial cooperation. The combined efforts of our two Environmental Protection Agencies have already resulted in China's recent decision to eliminate the use of leaded gas and in the undertaking of joint studies on the health effects of air pollution. We have been exploring ways to work together to combat international crime, terrorism and narcotics trafficking. The Chinese Government has worked with us quite effectively in resolving a number of cases involving attempted smuggling of Chinese nationals into the United States. It is helpful to identify and acknowledge areas where common ground exists, but we cannot ignore our differences.