
But I believe the students on this campus have served as a reminder of the respect that the American and Chinese people have for each other. This collaboration has been tested by the realities and complexities of our bilateral relationship. The result: the establishment of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center in 1986 – one of the first Western academic programs in modern China. The goal was to see whether Johns Hopkins and Nanjing University could partner together to educate future leaders. Just two years after, your university leaders had their own talks with their Chinese counterparts. In 1979, the United States established full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

SAIS has one of the oldest and most extensive China studies programs in the country. I’m particularly glad to be at this institution. I’m grateful for your contributions – not only during your time in government but here at SAIS. And thank you for your service to our country.

Dean Steinberg, thank you for your kind introduction.
