No, [the U.S.] has made it clear that we consider a peaceful resolution an essential aspect of American foreign policy. This I believe to be a situation understood by China, but again, it is important to not sound too truculent. Taking on a billion-plus Chinese is not an enterprise which one should enter lightly.

One thing I don't want around me is a military intellectual. I don't have to worry about you on that score.

The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously.

The key decision for a statesman is whether to commit his nation or not. There is no middle course. Once a great nation commits itself, it must prevail. It will acquire no kudos for translating its inner doubts into hesitation.

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

John Paul II was one of the greatest men of the last century. Perhaps the greatest.

I had an opportunity to express my views, yes. I agreed with the approach which we took, namely, to make a distinction between the loss of life of the Chinese pilot and our military operations outside territorial waters or territorial limits.