China has played an important role in our history. In 1784, shortly after America's independence, the first American merchant ship landed in China. The Chinese officials knew we were not European, so they simply called us the "new people." And though we were unfamiliar, the Chinese allowed us to trade freely with them. So one of the oldest societies on Earth, China, extended the hand of friendship to the world's youngest nation.
Remarks at a state dinner honoring President Jiang
Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Nov 3, 1997
more of his speech available through this link
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