But one of the hallmarks of President Clinton's approach is increased emphasis on building regional structures, like APEC on the economic side. You have very diverse countries, cultures, histories and political relationships within Asia. So we have to balance off the kind of leadership that countries expect of us with a respect for Asian dynamism, traditions and values so that we can move ahead collectively. We do not see it. For the foreseeable future we will handle security not only through our bilateral alliances but also by maintaining our forward military presence and through the regional security dialogues.
Serious differences remain and both sides acknowledge that.
But we have come a long way since the difficulties over the summer. We have reaffirmed our one-China policy and the general approach followed by six American administrations of both parties. We have also made clear our friendship and our unofficial ties with Taiwan. Regarding visits by Taiwan leaders, we recognize Beijing's sensitivities. But I think the Chinese recognize the limits to which we can go on reassurances about a one-China policy.