U.S.-born pandas Tai Shan and Mei Lan arrive in Chengdu
At approx. 4:50 p.m. today, the Federal Express 777F air freighter carrying the two U.S.-born pandas from Dulles International Airport touched down in Chengdu. (complete text)
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
THE PRESIDENT: Madam Speaker, Vice President Biden, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:
Our Constitution declares that from time to time, the President shall give to Congress information about the state of our union. For 220 years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. They've done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility. (complete text)
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON
Google Operations in China
We have been briefed by Google on these allegations, which raise very serious concerns and questions. We look to the Chinese government for an explanation. The ability to operate with confidence in cyberspace is critical in a modern society and economy. I will be giving an address next week on the centrality of internet freedom in the 21st century, and we will have further comment on this matter as the facts become clear.
SECRETARY CLINTON’S ADDRESS CAPS YEAR OF U.S. ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN ASIA-PACIFIC
*Secretary Clinton is delivering a policy address in Honolulu, Hawaii. A transcript of her remarks as delivered will be forthcoming.*
Today’s policy address by Secretary Clinton at the East-West Center in Honolulu caps a year of renewed American engagement and leadership in Asia and the Pacific. President Obama and Secretary Clinton have personally invested in the region. The Secretary broke with tradition and traveled to Asia for her first official visit. By the end of this week, she will have made an unprecedented four trips to the region in her first year in office and touched every corner. (complete text)
Dec 25 Statement on Sentencing of Liu Xiaobo
The United States was deeply concerned to learn that well-known Chinese democracy activist Liu Xiaobo was found guilty of “incitement to subvert state power.” We also were concerned that requests by Mr. Liu’s wife, the U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic missions to attend the trial were denied. Punishing people for peacefully expressing their political views violates the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which China has signed. (complete text)
Clinton Calls for Broad Operational Agreement on Climate Change
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today urged international negotiators in Copenhagen to reach a broad operational agreement to combat climate change. In an op-ed published by the International Herald Tribune, the Secretary laid out a way forward that will promote sustainable development by moving the world toward a low-carbon economy. (complete text)
