I have to say this occasionally to give some hope to my associates. I understood it was symbolic. I understand also that after normalization that any attributes of sovereignty in the relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. have to be eliminated.
Vice Premier Teng: Chairman Mao Tse-tung made it very clear that the solving of the Taiwan problem is an internal affair of China, and should be left to the Chinese to solve.
Just now Dr. Kissinger said that on the Taiwan issue you wish to have a peaceful reintegration.
Secretary Kissinger: That is correct.
Vice Premier Teng: And I believe you mentioned something like a wish of the U.S. in having some part in this guarantee, relationship.
Secretary Kissinger: Let me explain what is our concern. We have not worked out a legal formula. We believe that it is -- what I am saying is capable of misinterpretation. Let me explain our position exactly.
When I came here in 1971, it was clear that we were starting a process that would lead to the gradual erosion of the position of Taiwan.
You would certainly not have been admitted to the United Nations in 1971 -- eventually it would have happened, but not in 1971. It would have taken longer. And the normalization with Japan would not have been accomplished so soon. We fully cooperated in this, and we established principles that sooner or later have been implemented. And we did this in all seriousness.
You know we have made no effort with any country to keep them from establishing relations with you and breaking them with Taiwan.
The problem we have is the impact internationally of a sudden total reversal of an American position on other friendly countries, and even perhaps on countries that are not friendly to either of us.
Vice Premier Teng: But on the other hand, if we agree to your formula we will also be creating an impact internationally that we have agreed to the formula of one China - one Taiwan.
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