US-Chinese relations took an important step forward when President Clinton and President Jiang Zemin reached an agreement to allow the export of billions of dollars worth of nuclear technology to China. The sale to China of 50 Boeing aircraft worth $3 billion was also announced.
The meeting between the two leaders here yesterday also resulted in other agreements dealing with environmental and energy matters, and co-operation on combating drugs. They will also set up a crisis "hot line" between Washington and Beijing and hold regular summits.
The US and China have also agreed to encourage North Korea to resume talks on an agreement with South Korea on peaceful coexistence.
The accords were announced at a joint press conference as over 1,000 demonstrators protested outside the White House against Chinese repression of political dissidents, religious and human rights issues and policy towards Tibet and Taiwan.
A Gallup poll conducted last Monday showed that 36 per cent of Americans consider China unfriendly or an outright enemy, while 25 per cent see China as an ally. The poll also revealed that 72 per cent wanted a strong nuclear stand against China, but only 37 per cent thought Tibet was more important than maintaining good relations with China.
At the press conference, Mr Jiang defended his government's suppression of the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in 1989, saying it was essential for maintaining political stability. But President Clinton said the US did not share this view and the Chinese actions had lost it international support which it would otherwise have had.
The shouts of the demonstrators were drowned out during the earlier ceremony on the south lawn of the White House when Mr Jiang received a 21-gun salute and a red carpet welcome from President Clinton.
Mr Jiang told Mr Clinton and the assembled dignitaries he was dedicating his visit to expanding "mutual understanding" between the two countries and that the Chinese people had sent him on this mission.
Referring to the end of the Cold War, Mr Jiang said that "in the new international situation, the shared interests between China and the United States have increased rather than decreased."
Ending in English, Mr Jiang said: "Let us, the Chinese and the American people, join hands and together with people around the world work hard to bring a new century of peace, stability and prosperity."
President Clinton told Mr Jiang that "your visit has given us both the opportunities and responsibilities at the dawn of the 21st century and the millennium. Even as we admire the Great Wall of China we must work to ensure fewer and fewer barriers divide us."
In a diplomatic reference to the controversial human rights issue, Mr Clinton said both countries should work towards a world "where people are treated with dignity and are free to express their beliefs and faiths".
The most sensitive issues dividing the US and China were raised at an informal get-together in the White House residence the night before. The two presidents held a 90-minute discussion in the Oval Office which dealt with their differences over human rights, Tibet and Taiwan.
The discussion, with only a few aides present, was described by National Security Adviser, Mr Sandy Berger, as "very direct, personal and substantive". Later, President Clinton gave Mr Jiang a tour of the White House.
The breakthrough on nuclear exports had been anticipated since US and Chinese officials held a series of meetings on the matter in recent weeks. Such exports to China have been banned under a 1985 law which states that no US nuclear technology can be exported to countries that have assisted non-nuclear states to produce nuclear arms. President Clinton has now announced that he is ready to certify that China no longer infringes this condition.
In the past the US has claimed to have proof that China has sold equipment to Pakistan and Iran, which would help them to build nuclear weapons. Mr Clinton said he now welcomed Chinese assurances that this was no longer the case.
Last night, President Clinton hosted a state dinner for Mr Jiang and his wife in the East Room of the White House.
Today, Mr Jiang will attend a breakfast meeting with members of Congress on Capitol Hill before departing for Philadelphia, where further demonstrations are expected when he visits Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.