Page:Kissinger's Trip (1) - November 25-29, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1553934).pdf/7



I welcome the Doctor on his seventh visit to China.

It is always a pleasure to be here.

This is the second visit we have met.

Yes, April this year was the first time.

Our Foreign Minister [Ch'iao Kuan-hua] is an old friend.

Yes, we spent a week together -- every night -- when we drafted the Shanghai Communique.

People are saying in the world that now relations between our two nations are chilling a bit. This is the seventh visit of the Doctor and this can be taken as the third exchange of views between our nations this year. So this opinion circulating in some places cannot be taken as accurate.

I don't believe the opinion is accurate. We speak very frankly and very fully. And I think our relations are proceeding in the direction laid down in the Shanghai Communique.

I think that is true.

And on our side there is no change at all.

The same is true on our side. And I don't think the signing of the Shanghai Communique on either side was taken as an expedient move.

No, it was a matter of principle. And our relations are proceeding in the direction foreseen in the Shanghai Communique.

You must be very tired now.

No, I had a very good night's sleep in Tokyo. And I have recovered from the frost of Vladivostok. [Laughter].

It must be below zero over there.

It was very cold. Now I know why the Chinese never settled in that territory.