Q And you were only 18 years old?
THE PRESIDENT: No, no, no. I was older. I was -- '75, I was 31.
Q Thirty-one?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I was born in '46. My brother -- see, my sister was 18 during the time.
Q Okay.
THE PRESIDENT: But, yes, no, look, I was a pretty old guy. And I explored around Beijing on a bicycle. It was a interesting time. Totally different city then than it is today.
Q Yes. And you also paid three visits in your capacity as the President of the United States to China. And, in a sense, you bear witness to the changes in China, too.
THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely. It's amazing.
Q So, yes, how would you elaborate on the changes in the past 30 years, since this year also marks the 30th anniversary of China's opening up and reform?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, 30 years ago, there were hardly any automobiles. And everybody was on bicycle, truly. Masses of people, me included, riding along on our bike. Everybody wore the same clothes, expect for me. People -- I can remember going to a department store, and nobody had seen a Westerner. And they were amazed when I would go. And I would go with my mother and my sister. And they were amazed. It was like we were, like, from a different planet.
Today it's a much different society. First of all, there's -- very colorful. And obviously, there's a lot of automobiles. It seems like more automobiles than bicycles. And people are used to a relationship between the West and China. It's a common occurrence. There's a lot of exchanges.
One of the first -- I think the first graduation speech I ever gave as President was to Notre Dame, and they were honoring the honors graduates in the sciences. And many of the people there were Chinese citizens, young Chinese students, girls and boys; got their degrees at the Notre Dame University. It was just -- just shows how different things are after 30 years.
Q Okay. So there's also, like, China and the United States are going to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations in January 2009.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q Yes. How would you evaluate the developments between our two countries in the diplomatic field in the last 30 years? And particularly during two of your administrations, if you can give us a self-assessment.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think -- look, I think they've grown very strategic. For example, the strategic dialogue on economics that Secretary Paulson is leading, that is very unique. And so he goes to China, and the Chinese leaders come here. And our Cabinet, many of our Cabinet works with their counterparts. And it's a broadening, a strengthening relationship.
We've dealt with some tough problems in a way that's cordial and respectful. And I would say that they're very good relations. And I told somebody the other day that it's amazing that the United States now has very good relations with China, South Korea and Japan, and the ASEAN countries, all at the same time. And I think that's positive for the region.
And take the six-party talks. There's a common problem. If North Korea were to end up with a nuclear weapon, it would be very destabilizing and very troubling for all of us. So we decided to work together, sit around the table as five parties, saying the same thing to the North Koreans. And I'm hopeful that it'll work. But it shows our relationship has matured.
Q You mentioned the six-party talks. Also six-party talks are high on your agenda during your administration for the last couple of years. With the demolition of the Yongbyon facility, the cooling tower, specifically, it makes some tangible progress, probably gave momentum before the talks. So how do you see this mechanism will go on?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q What kind of messages if you want to say to the six-party talks?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, I value our partners. The only way to solve this peacefully is for us to work together to send a common message. I thank the Chinese government for their leadership on this issue.
I firmly believe multilateral diplomacy can work this issue better than bilateral diplomacy; secondly, that we're at a very critical moment now for the North Korean government to make a decision as to whether or not they're going to verify what they said they would do. It's one thing to say it, but I think it's going to be very important for them to understand that we expect them to show us.
Now there's no question the cooling tower went down; that's perfect verification, everybody saw it. But there's going to be -- need to be verification on the plutonium program, the enriched uranium program and the proliferation program. And the decision is theirs. And if they make the decisions that we're comfortable with, then we move the process forward. And I certainly hope they make the right decision.
Q Thank you, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes. I'm looking forward to going to Beijing.
Q Good wishes to you for a very pleasant visit to Beijing.
THE PRESIDENT: I bet I have one. Thank you, sir.
Q Thank you very much.