I don't see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its own people.

The first reactions are often instinctive. So one of the first things we said was that the Chinese had no right to inspect the plane, and that we had a sovereign right to. I don't know what the legal position is, but it was surely psychologically absolutely the unwise thing to do.

We must learn to distinguish morality from moralizing.

In the current [Carter] administration, who can use the White House swimming pool and tennis courts is decided at the very highest level. President Ford did not bother himself with such minor details. He let me swim in the pool. He only got upset when I tried to walk across the water.

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.

A leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to stand alone.

Every American president, regardless of party, has said that America has an intense interest in a peaceful resolution. And I think it should be left at that.