Left to its own devices, the State Department machinery tends toward inertia rather than creativity; it is always on the verge of turning itself into an enormous cable machine.

Countries do not assume burdens because it is fair, only because it is necessary.

Taiwan will probably not declare independence. The question isn't independence. The issue is whether Taiwan will declare itself as a sovereign separate state. That will start a huge crisis if that happens.

America has made it very clear in several administrations that if there is an attack by China on Taiwan, the United States is very likely to resist.

It was a Greek tragedy. Nixon was fulfilling his own nature. Once it started it could not end otherwise.

I don't think we should pay people to fight terrorism. I would be amazed if they asked for anything in return.

There are some people who think that at some time in the future, China may challenge us for supremacy in the Pacific, and therefore, what do we do today to prevent that? And you, of course, will say that we will try to thwart any economic progress in China. If we engaged in such a policy, we would turn a billion-plus people into nationalist opponents of the United States.