Our relationship with the People’s Republic of China is proving its importance and its durability.  We are finding more and more common ground between our two countries on basic questions of international affairs.

In my two trips to Asia as President, we have reaffirmed America’s continuing vital interest in the peace and security of Asia and the Pacific Basin, established a new partnership with Japan, confirmed our dedication to the security of Korea, and reinforced our ties with the free nations of Southeast Asia.

An historic dialog has begun between industrial nations and developing nations.  Most proposals on the table are the initiatives of the United States, including those on food, energy, technology, trade, investment, and commodities.  We are well launched on this process of shaping positive and reliable economic relations between rich nations and poor nations over the long term.

We have made progress in trade negotiations and avoided protectionism during recession.  We strengthened the international monetary system.  During the past 2 years the free world’s most important economic powers have already brought about important changes that serve both developed and developing economies.  The momentum already achieved must be nurtured and strengthened, for the prosperity of the rich and poor depends upon it.

In Latin America, our relations have taken on a new maturity and a sense of common enterprise.

In Africa the quest for peace, racial justice, and economic progress is at a crucial point.  The United States, in close cooperation with the United Kingdom, is actively engaged in this historic process.  Will change come about by warfare and chaos and foreign intervention?  Or will it come about by negotiated and fair solutions, ensuring majority rule, minority rights, and economic advance?  America is committed to the side of peace and justice and to the principle that Africa should shape its own future, free of outside intervention.

American leadership has helped to stimulate new international efforts to stem the proliferation of nuclear weapons and to shape a comprehensive treaty governing the use of oceans.

I am gratified by these accomplishments.  They constitute a record of broad success for America and for the peace and prosperity of all mankind.  This administration leaves to its successor a world in better condition than we found.  We leave, as well, a solid foundation for progress on a range of issues that are vital to the well-being of America.

What has been achieved in the field of foreign affairs and what can be accomplished by the new administration demonstrate the genius of Americans working together for the common good.  It is this, our remarkable ability to work together, that has made us a unique nation.  It is Congress, the President, and the people striving for a better world.

I know all patriotic Americans want this Nation’s foreign policy to succeed.  I urge members of my party in this Congress to give the new President loyal support in this area.  I express the hope that this new Congress will reexamine its constitutional role in international affairs.