For Immediate Release, March 8, 2012

Contact: Allison Sturma, 202-429-4725

(Washington) – The United States Institute of Peace on March 7 welcomed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for her first official visit to the new permanent headquarters.  Addressing a major gathering of U.S.-China experts, Clinton spoke to a packed audience including those who participated in the historic visit of President Richard Nixon to China 40 years ago.

Clinton urged China to use its growing global influence to play a "constructive role" in world affairs arguing that Beijing can no longer be what she called a "selective stakeholder" on certain issues if it wants the respect of the international community.

"In some forums on some issues, China wants to be treated as a great power, in others as a developing nation," Clinton said.  "That is perfectly understandable, because China has attributes of both. Nonetheless, the world is looking for China to play a role that is commensurate with its new standing."

Although Clinton says the United States is working to foster China's rise as an "active contributor to global security," she says Washington does not want "unhealthy competition, rivalry or conflict" with Beijing. "So to those who ask, 'Is the United States trying to contain China,' our answer is a clear 'No.' In fact, the United States helped pave the way for China to be where it is today in its own development," Clinton added.

Clinton appeared at the Institute as part of a day-long forum marking the 40th anniversary of President Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972.  Others appearing throughout the day included former secretary of state Henry Kissinger, whose secret mission to China in 1971 paved the way for Nixon’s visit several months later, and former national security advisors Zbigniew Brzezinski and Brent Scowcroft.  Panels throughout the day featured prominent business leaders, diplomats, journalists, and analysts.
 

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