The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 12, 2014

Remarks by President Obama and President Xi Jinping in Joint Press Conference

Great Hall of the People
Beijing, China

12:17 P.M. CST

PRESIDENT XI:  (As interpreted.)  Honorable President Obama, distinguished guests, dear friends from the press, good morning.  First of all, I wish to once again warmly welcome President Obama to China for this state visit.

Over the past two days, I had a constructive and productive discussion with President Obama.  We had sincere and in-depth exchange of views, and reached broad agreement on China-U.S. relations, major international, and regional issues of shared interest, as well as on global issues.

We reaffirmed the agreement that we reached at the Annenberg estate on developing the bilateral relations.  We agreed to continue to advance the development of a new model of major-country relations between China and the United States.  We had in-depth discussions on the priority areas for advancing such relationship.  We agreed to accelerate the negotiations of the BIT, and we’ll make efforts to reach agreement on the core issues and the major articles of the treaty text, and to initiate the negative list of negotiations in 2015.

We have reached agreement on the ITA expansion negotiations, and we are ready to work together for the early conclusion of relevant plural-lateral talks.  We fully recognize the document signed between the two departments of defense on building two major confidence-building measures, and agreed to continue to deepen military exchanges, mutual trust and cooperation on that basis, and develop a new type of military-to-military relations between the two countries.

We issued a joint statement on climate change, and we jointly announced our respective post-2020 targets.  We agreed to make sure that international climate change negotiations will reach an agreement as scheduled at the Paris conference in 2015, and we agreed to deepen practical cooperation on clean energy, environment protection, and other areas.

We reaffirmed our firm opposition to terrorism of all forms, and agreed to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation on intelligence sharing, terrorist financing, and cyber-terrorism.  And we will work together to remove the threats of various terrorists and extremist forces.

We agreed to make use of such channels as a meeting between the Chinese Ministry of Public Security and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to have further discussions on law enforcement cooperation, which includes cracking down on transnational crimes, fugitives hunting, and recovery of criminal proceeds.

We have reached reciprocal arrangements on the visa for business travelers, tourists and students.  We have agreed to issue 10-year, multiple-entry visas for respective business travelers and tourists, and 5-year, multiple-entry visas for each other's students.  This will greatly promote people-to-people exchanges between our two countries and will help to promote our exchange and cooperation in the various fields, and promote the long-term development of bilateral relations.

We agreed to follow such principles as mutual respect, seeking common ground while sharing differences, exchanges and mutual learning, and manage our differences on sensitive issues in a constructive way so as to ensure the healthy and steady growth of the bilateral ties.

I told President Obama that China has proposed the Asian security concept at the CICA summit here in May in order to encourage Asian countries to view common security in an inclusive and cooperative spirit.  At the same time, I also said that the Pacific Ocean is broad enough to accommodate the development of both China and the United States, and our two countries to work together to contribute to security in Asia.

These are mutually complementary efforts instead of mutually exclusive ones.  China and the U.S. should continue to enhance dialogue and coordination on Asia Pacific affairs, and respect and accommodate each other’s interests and concerns in this region, and develop inclusive coordination.

I also introduced to President Obama China’s initiatives of establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund.  Underdeveloped infrastructure is the main bottleneck obstructing the economic development in Asia.  China has initiated the AIIB in order to offer support and facility to regional infrastructure development.  These proposals and initiatives are open and inclusive in Asia; they are not exclusive.  We welcome the active participation of the United States and other relevant countries so that together we can promote and share prosperity and peace in Asia Pacific.

We recognize the positive actions both have taken in helping African countries affected by the Ebola virus to fight against the disease.  We indicated that, based on the actual needs of African countries, we will leverage our respective strength and work with the rest of the international community to help affected countries to strengthen capacity-building on health and epidemic prevention so as to place the epidemic under control as soon as possible.

I thank President Obama and the U.S. team for their support to China’s hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.  Both are willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation on multilateral forums, including APEC and G-20, and to play a positive role in promoting global economic recovery and development.

China and the United States have worked closely on the negotiations of the Iranian nuclear issue, and we hope that relevant parties would persist in consensus, address differences, and make political decisions so as to promote the early conclusion of a win-win and comprehensive agreement.  China is firmly committed to achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.  We intend -- we should address the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and negotiations.  The relevant parties should have active contact and dialogue so as to create conditions for the early launch -- for re-launch of the Six Party Talks.

And the two sides also agreed to continue their exchange on the cooperation on the Afghan issue.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends, China is ready to work with the United States to make efforts in a number of priority areas and putting into effect such principles as non-confrontation, non-conflict, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation.  And with unwavering spirit and unremitting efforts, we will promote new progress in building a new type model of major-country relations between the two countries so as to bring greater benefits to our two peoples and two countries.

Thank you.

MODERATOR:  Thank you, President Xi.  I now give the floor to President Obama.

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, thank you, President Xi, for welcoming me and my delegation to Beijing and for the extraordinary hospitality that you and the Chinese people have shown to me on this state visit.  I also want to take this opportunity to thank the people of China for the warmth and kindness they showed my wife Michelle and our daughters, as well as my mother-in-law when they came to visit China earlier this year -- another sign of the enduring friendship between our peoples.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two nations.  I’m told that Deng Xiaoping said that we must “seek truth from facts.”  On this anniversary, it is a fact that the past three and a half decades have seen an extraordinary growth in the ties between our two countries -- more trade, more collaborations between our businesses and scientists and researchers, more connections between the Chinese and the American people, from tourists to our students.  And it is a fact that when we work together, it’s good for the United States, it's good for China, and it is good for the world.

As I’ve said many times, the United States welcomes the continuing rise of a China that is peaceful, prosperous and stable and that plays a responsible role in the world.  And we don’t just welcome it, we support it.  For decades, America’s engagement in the Asia Pacific, including our alliances and our stabilizing presence, have been a foundation for the region’s progress, including contributing to China’s remarkable economic growth.  The United States has worked to expand trade and investment with China, and to help integrate China into the global economy.  And we want that progress to continue because, as I said before, it benefits all of us.

I believe that President Xi and I have a common understanding about how the relationship between our nations can move forward.  We agree that we can expand our cooperation where our interests overlap or align.  When we have disagreements, we will be candid and clear about our intentions, and we will work to narrow those differences where possible.  Even as we compete and disagree in some areas, I believe we can continue to advance the security and prosperity of our people and people around the world.  That’s my vision for how we can develop the relationship between our countries.  That’s the vision that we’ve advanced during this visit, which has taken our bilateral, regional and global cooperation to a new level.  And I want to thank President Xi for his leadership in fostering that kind of atmosphere of cooperation.

First, President Xi and I agreed on the importance of continuing to exercise -- to increase the trade that helps grow our economies and creates jobs.  More U.S. exports to a growing China means more opportunities for American businesses, workers and farmers.  We agreed to work actively on a comprehensive bilateral investment treaty with high standards.  And that provides the opportunity for Chinese businesses to invest in the United States, as well as opening up the opportunity for more U.S. businesses to invest here in China, creating jobs for both our countries.

We reached an understanding that will allow us to work with other nations to conclude the Information Technology Agreement, which will help us boost trade in the computer and IT products that power the 21st century economy.  We agreed to work together to promote innovation in agricultural and food security to help feed a growing planet.  And our agreement to extend visas for business people, tourists and students will help fuel growth and create jobs for Americans and Chinese.

I told President Xi that we welcome reforms being discussed here that would give the market a defining role in the Chinese economy.  At the same time, I did emphasize the need for a level playing field, so foreign companies can compete fairly, including against Chinese state-owned enterprises.  I stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property as well as trade secrets, especially against cyber-threats.  And we welcome continued progress towards a market-driven exchange rate.

Second, as the world’s two largest economies, energy consumers and emitters of greenhouse gases, we have a special responsibility to lead the global effort against climate change.  That's why today I am proud that we can announce a historic agreement.  I commend President Xi, his team, and the Chinese government for the commitment they are making to slow, peak, and then reverse the course of China’s carbon emissions.

Today, I can also announce that the United States has set a new goal of reducing our net greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2025.  This is an ambitious goal, but it is an achievable goal.  It will double the pace at which we’re reducing carbon pollution in the United States.  It puts us on a path to achieving the deep emissions reductions by advanced economies that the scientific community says is necessary to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change.  It will help improve public health.  It will grow our economy.  It will create jobs.  It will strengthen our energy security, and it will put both of our nations on the path to a low-carbon economy.

This is a major milestone in the U.S.-China relationship, and it shows what’s possible when we work together on an urgent global challenge.  In addition, by making this announcement today, together, we hope to encourage all major economies to be ambitious -- all countries, developing and developed -- to work across some of the old divides so we can conclude a strong global climate agreement next year.   

Third, with respect to regional security, we agreed to a number of new measures to improve communications between our militaries in order to reduce the risk of accidents or miscalculations on the seas and in the air.  President Xi and I reaffirmed our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and we agree that North Korea will not succeed in pursuing nuclear weapons and economic development, that it can’t have both.

While the United States does not take a position on competing claims in the East and South China Seas, I made it clear that we do have a fundamental interest in freedom of navigation, and that territorial disputes in the region should be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law.  And I congratulated President Xi on the initial contacts with Prime Minister Abe of Japan to help lower tensions with respect to that issue.

I reaffirmed my strong commitment to our One-China policy based on the Three Joint Communiqués and the Taiwan Relations Act.  And we encourage further progress by both sides of the Taiwan Strait towards building ties, reducing tensions and promoting stability on the basis of dignity and respect, which is in the interest of both sides, as well as the region and the United States.

Fourth, I welcomed China’s contributions to international security.  This includes our mutual support for a stable, unified Afghanistan; our mutual interest in seeing the terrorist group ISIL is destroyed; the potential work we can do together in other counterterrorism activities, including those that were raised by President Xi; our mutual efforts as part of the P5-plus-1 to reach a comprehensive solution that ensures Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful.

We agree that Iran should seize this historic opportunity by making the tough choices that are necessary to achieve a lasting diplomatic solution.  And in addition, the United States is very appreciative of China’s important contributions in West Africa in the fight against Ebola.  We agreed to expand our cooperation against infectious diseases more broadly and to promote access to electricity across Africa -- more examples of the difference we can make when we work together.

And finally, I reiterated to President Xi, as I have before, that America’s unwavering support for fundamental human rights of all people will continue to be an important element of our relationship with China, just as it is with all the countries that we interact with around the world.  And we had a very healthy exchange around these issues.  President Xi gave me his sense of how China is moving forward.  I described to him by it is so important for us to speak out for the freedoms that we believe are universal, rights that we believe are the birthright of all men and women, wherever they live, whether it is in New York or Paris or Hong Kong.

We think history shows that nations that uphold these rights -- including for ethnic and religious minorities -- are ultimately more prosperous, more successful, and more able to achieve the dreams of their people.  In that context, I did note that we recognize Tibet as part of the People’s Republic of China.  We are not in favor of independence.  But we did encourage Chinese authorities to take steps to preserve the unique cultural, religious and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people.

In closing, I want to say that I am pleased that we continue to expand the ties between our peoples.  The new visa extension that begins today will bring more Chinese tourists to the United States and more American tourists to see the magnificent sights of China.  That will encourage more exchanges among our students.  We welcome more Chinese students to the United States than from any other country.  And I’m proud that this summer my “100,000 Strong” program reached our goal of more than 100,000 Americans studying in China in recent years.  With these visa extensions, we’ll give more students this opportunity -- both Chinese and Americans.

So every day, our people are coming to know each other better.  Every day, our young people are forging friendships that will serve our countries for many decades to come.  Every day some of the barriers of mistrust are broken down, mutual understanding is promoted.  And that lays the seeds for cooperation, not just today, but for future generations.

So, President Xi, thank you again for your hospitality, for the candid and very productive conversations, for your hosting of an excellent APEC Summit, and for our work together.

As Deng Xiaoping said, we must seek facts from -- “seek truth from facts.”  The truth is that we have made important progress today for the benefit of both of our nations and for the benefit of the world.  The truth is that even more progress is possible as we continue to develop this important relationship.  I am confident that we will be able to do so.  So thank you.  Xie xie. 

We’ve each agreed I believe to take a question from the press.

MODERATOR:  Thank you both presidents.  Now the two presidents have agreed to each take a question from the press.  Now, first President Obama will take a question from a member of the American press.

MR. EARNEST:  The first question will be from Mark Landler of The New York Times.

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Where's Mark?  There he is.

Q       Thank you very much, President Xi and President Obama.  My first question is to President Obama.  You’ve spoken a lot over the past few days about the potential of China as a partner for the United States and have concluded several agreements this week that attest to that.  At the same time, there has been a surge of anti-American rhetoric in China in recent weeks, particularly in the state media.  Chinese newspapers have disparaged your leadership style and have fueled speculation that the United States is a black hand behind the protests in Hong Kong.  My question is whether you’re concerned that this anti-American rhetoric could impede the kind of collaboration that you wish to have with China.  And to what do you attribute that?

And if I may, because I want to make sure I grab my chance with the President of China, ask a couple of questions of him.  Mr. President, President Obama has sketched out a strategic pivot to Asia that includes shoring up alliances with American allies like Japan and South Korea, deploying Marines to Australia, negotiating a regional trade pact that at the moment excludes China, and speaking up -- as he did just a moment ago -- on territorial disputes between China and its neighbors.  Several months ago in Shanghai at a conference, you said it is for the Asians to run the affairs of Asia.  I wonder whether you’re concerned that this strategic pivot represents an effort to contain China.

And then if I may, lastly, on a parochial issue --

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Come on, Mark.

Q       On a parochial issue -- several news organizations from the United States have had issues with residency permits in China being denied, including The New York Times.  I’m wondering in the spirit of these reciprocal visa arrangements that you’ve agreed to this week with business people and students, isn’t it time to extend that sort of right to foreign correspondents who seek to cover your country?

Thank you both very much.

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  I’m not sure I remember the question.  (Laughter.)  I’m teasing.

First of all, with respect to press attitudes towards America or me in particular, I am always working on the assumption that the press giving me a hard time is true wherever I go, whether in the United States or China.  That’s part of being a public official.  And I think that it is fair to say that there are differences between the United States and China on a range of issues.  On the other end, I’m a big believer in actions and not words.  And this summit I think is evidence of the values that China places in the relationship between the United States and China.

On a whole host of issues at this summit, we’ve shown that U.S.-China cooperation can end up not only being good for the two countries, but for the world as a whole.  And I do think that one of the benefits of a summit like this is an opportunity for one-on-one conversations between the leaders of the two countries to break down some of the misperceptions and mistrust that can build up over time.

So, for example, on the issue of Hong Kong, which did come up in our conversations, I was unequivocal in saying to President Xi that the United States had no involvement in fostering the protests that took place there; that these are issues ultimately for the people of Hong Kong and the people of China to decide.  But I did describe for him that the United States, as a matter of foreign policy but also a matter of our values, are going to consistently speak out on the right of people to express themselves, and encourage the elections that take place in Hong Kong are transparent and fair and reflective of the opinions of people there.

And more broadly, our conversations gave me an opportunity to debunk the notion that you suggested, Mark, just now that our pivot to Asia is about containing China.  I have repeatedly reiterated and displayed through the actions of our administration that we want China to succeed.  And we actively encourage our friends and allies in the region to foster a strong and cooperative relationship with China.

So, as I mentioned briefly, we applaud the lowering of tensions between China and Japan.  We think that’s good for the region and good for both countries.  And so what you left out of the list of actions that we’ve taken in this pivot to Asia is the multiple meetings I’ve had with President Xi and his predecessor, and the remarkable scope of agreements that we have reached to deepen economic, scientific, educational and security arrangements between the United States and China.

In other words, a strong, cooperative relationship with China is at the heart of our pivot to Asia.  And if the United States is going to continue to lead the world in addressing global challenges, then we have to have the second-largest economy and the most populous nation on Earth as our partner.  And the carbon reduction agreement that we just announced is a perfect example of why a strong U.S.-China relationship is so critical.

And just in closing, I want to say that although there are going to continue to be tensions and disagreements between our countries, as is true with all countries, particularly large countries that have a lot of interests around the globe, I’ve consistently found President Xi to be willing to engage on those differences in a frank and candid matter, and we have consistently strived to find ways to narrow those differences.

I think the military-to-military cooperation announcements that we’re making today are a perfect example of how rather than try to tamp down those differences, surfacing them and then addressing them is going to be a centerpiece, a lynchpin for the kinds of cooperative agreements that I hope will continue for generations to come.

MODERATOR:  Now, President Xi Jinping will take a question from a member of the Chinese press.  China Daily, please.

Q       (As interpreted.)  China Daily.  The world is watching very closely today's summit meeting between you, President Xi, and President Obama.  And the China-U.S. relationship has gone beyond the bilateral scope.  It is increasingly consequential for the whole world and for this region.  As China further develops, how does China see its own position and role in international affairs?

PRESIDENT XI:  (As interpreted.)  Thank you for your question.  There are very wide areas where China and the United States need to and can cooperate with each other.  And as the international situation continues to experience complex, fluid and profound changes, there will be even more areas where our two countries need to work together.

In recent years, China and the United States worked together to counter the impact of the global financial crisis.  We have also worked together to try and resolve some regional hotspot issues, such as the Korean nuclear issue, the Iranian nuclear issue, the situation in Syria and so on, through dialogue.  We've also partnered with each other to address some serious challenges, including climate change, terrorism, and the Ebola epidemic.

The strategic significance of China-U.S. relations is on the rise.  China is a participant in, builder of, and contributor to the international system.  China's economic development is in itself an important contribution to the global efforts to address the international financial crisis and to promote the recovery and the growth of the world economy.

China has sent more personnel to U.N. peacekeeping missions than any other permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.  To date, we have sent over 20,000 of our military personnel to various U.N. peacekeeping operations.  And the Chinese navy has combatted 45 escort missions in the piracy-ridden waters of the Gulf of Aden.  And China is firm in opposing all forms of terrorism, and we have all along been supportive of international cooperation to fight terrorism.

The Chinese people empathize with the Western African countries that are experiencing the Ebola epidemic.  We have so far provided four tranches of assistance that is worth 750 million RMB.  And even as we speak, there are over 300 Chinese medical personnel working on the ground in Africa to help the affected areas.

As China continues to develop, we will shoulder more and more international responsibilities that are commensurate with our own strengths and position.  We will remain firmly committed to working with other countries to share China's development opportunity and to address various challenges.  And we will make our due share of contribution to maintaining and promoting peace, stability and development in the Asia Pacific region and the world at large.

Both President Obama and I believe that when China and the United States work together, we can become an anchor of world stability and a propeller of world peace.  China stands ready to work with the United States to firm up our confidence, exercise our wisdom, and take action to strengthen our coordination and cooperation bilaterally, regionally and globally; and to effectively manage our differences on sensitive issues so that we can make new gains in building the new model of major-country relations between China and the United States, which serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples and the people elsewhere in the world.

China and the United States have different historical and cultural traditions, social systems, and faces of development.  So it's natural that we don't see eye to eye on every issue.  But there have always been more common interests between China and the United States than the differences between us.  Both sides should respect each other's core interests and major concerns and manage our differences in a constructive fashion, full dialogue, and consultation so as to uphold the overall interests of stable growth of China-U.S. relations.

And I had a candid discussion with President Obama on human rights issues.  Ever since the founding of the People's Republic of China, and especially over the last three decades and more of China's reform and opening era, China has made enormous progress in its human rights.  That is a fact recognized by all the people in the world.

On the question of human rights, we should never consider our work to be mission accomplished.  It's always work in progress, and there is always room for further improvement.  China stands ready to have dialogue with the United States on human rights issues on the basis of equality and mutual respect so that we can constructively handle our differences, deepen our mutual understanding, and learn from each other.

In my talks with President Obama I also pointed out that the Occupy Central is an illegal movement in Hong Kong.  We are firmly supportive of the efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to handle the situation according to law so as to maintain social stability in Hong Kong and protect the life and the property of the Hong Kong residents.  Hong Kong affairs are exclusively China's internal affairs, and foreign countries should not interfere in those affairs in any form or fashion.  And we will protect the lawful rights and interests of foreign citizens and business organizations in Hong Kong, as well.  And I think it goes without saying that law and order must be maintained according to law in any place, not just in Hong Kong, but also elsewhere in the world.

China and the United States are important countries in the world.  It's perfectly normal for there to be different views expressed about us in the international media.  And I don't think it's worth fussing over these different views.  And I don't see any of the regional free-trade arrangements as targeting against China.  China is committed to open regionalism.  And we believe the various regional cooperation initiatives and mechanisms should have positive interaction with each other, and that is the case at the moment.

And China protects our citizens' freedom of expression and the normal rights and the interests of media organizations in accordance with law.  On the other hand, media outlets need to obey China's laws and regulations.  When a car breaks down on the road, perhaps we need to get off the car to see where the problem lies.  And when a certain issue is raised as a problem, there must be a reason.  In Chinese, we have a saying:  The party which has created a problem should be the one to help resolve it.  So perhaps we should look into the problem to see where the cause lies.

Thank you.

MODERATOR:  This is the end of the press conference.  Thank you, President Xi and President Obama.  Thank you all.

END
1:07 P.M. CST

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 12, 2014

Toast Remarks by President Obama in Luncheon with President Xi of China

Great Hall of the People
Beijing, China

PRESIDENT OBAMA: President Xi, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen -- thank you for your extraordinary hospitality and the honor of this state visit, which is a reflection of the deep ties between our countries and our peoples.

I’m told that one of your great Chinese authors once wrote, “Originally there was no path, but after many people travel a certain way, a path is forged.”

Thirty-five years ago, our two nations established diplomatic relations. Since then, many people -- Chinese and Americans -- have travelled between us. Business people, tourists, students and teachers, scientists and researchers. And as a result, a new path has been forged.

Among those who traveled that path was President Xi, who on an exchange program as a younger man visited our state of Iowa and stayed with a local family. Mr. President, as a result of the ties you forged then, families in Iowa still welcome young men and women from China into their homes and communities.

That path has also been traveled by my wife Michelle and our two daughters, who visited China earlier this year. As I was on my visit five years ago, they were deeply moved by the history and majesty of this nation and its people. And Michelle even tried her hand at tai chi.

Now, this path is being walked in new ways. We recently witnessed an inspiring sight -- a Chinese plane landing in Liberia with supplies to fight Ebola, and it was unloaded by Chinese and Americans and Liberians, working together, shoulder to shoulder. And today we showed that we can bring that same spirit to bear as leaders in the fight against climate change.

In closing, I’d like to recall a Chinese saying that reflects this spirit of possibility -- nothing is too difficult, as long as people have resolve. And so I propose a toast -- to our people and the resolve we share, I wish the best of health to President Xi, his family, and the people of China, may we continue to walk the path of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of ourselves and for the world. Ganbei.

(A toast is given.)

END

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 12, 2014

Remarks by President Obama Before Bilateral Meeting with President Xi of China

Great Hall of the People
Beijing, China

11:20 A.M. CST

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, Mr. President, it is a pleasure to be back in China. I congratulate you and the people of China for hosting a successful APEC Summit. I am grateful for your outstanding hospitality and the honor of this state visit.

This is the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two countries, as you noted. Since then, the trade and ties, the people-to-people exchanges between our countries have surged. And we’ve shown that when we cooperate, the United States and China can make important contributions to security and to progress in this region and around the world.

And this visit is an opportunity to continue discussions President Xi and I began in California last year and our meetings since. Yesterday evening and this morning we had the chance to discuss in depth our priorities and our vision for the U.S.-China relationship. As I’ve said before, I strongly believe that our two nations have an enormous stake in each other’s success. America’s presence in the Asia Pacific I believe has benefitted China. Conversely, a growing China has become one of our largest trading partners. As I said in my speech on Monday, the United States welcomes a China that is peaceful, prosperous and stable, and I look forward to continuing the discussion with President Xi on areas where our countries can work together even more.

As we’ve noted, there are important differences that we have, both practically as well as our vision for our respective countries and our conduct of foreign policy. But what I’ve been very encouraged by is your willingness, Mr. President, to engage in a honest and constructive dialogue around those differences and ensuring that we manage them in a peaceful and effective way.

So I want to thank you and the Chinese people for your extraordinary hospitality. I look forward to our discussions and to ensuring that the U.S.-China relationship continues to deliver results for China, for the United States, and for the world. Xiéxié.

END
11:23 A.M. CST

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 11, 2014

Remarks by President Obama at APEC Plenary Session One

International Convention Center
Yanqi Lake -- Beijing, China

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  (In progress) -- have shown us last night’s events were spectacular, and this is a extraordinary setting for our meeting.  And I very much appreciate the work that you’ve done to develop a very productive agenda during this year’s APEC meeting.

I’d like to say to all my colleagues who are assembled here -- it’s good to be back with you at APEC.  This forum has been able to provide an extraordinarily important forum for generating ideas that boost regional and then global integration, and has helped to provide jobs and support growth in all of our economies.

Our meeting comes at a very important time for the global trading system.  Just one year ago we celebrated the conclusion of a historic trade facilitation agreement in Bali.  As was just mentioned, that agreement has been breaking down over certain issues, although I’m actually confident that there’s an opportunity for us to resolve them fairly soon.  But it does underscore how challenging it is to maintain and continue to grow our multilateral trading system.

So we’re going to need to focus on restoring and rebuilding the WTO’s negotiating function.  A strong multilateral trading system that holds us together and a common framework of rules has always been a bedrock of a healthy, global economy.

Meanwhile, APEC continues to play a central role in promoting economic integration through regional and bilateral trade agreements.  If these agreements are ambitious, they can be stepping stones to greater integration rather than stumbling blocks.

APEC has been the incubator of ambitious trade agreements at the center of our agenda.  This is where the trade facilitation agreement started.  It was APEC’s work that led to the Information Technology Agreement -- the ITA -- which we are now negotiating to expand.  So it’s fitting that we’re here with our APEC colleagues to share the news that the United States and China have reached an understanding on the ITA that we hope will contribute to a rapid conclusion of the broader negotiations in Geneva.  We think that’s good news.  And I very much thank President Xi’s efforts in that regard.

APEC is often at its best and most effective on the more technologic -- the more technical cooperation to boost the flow of goods and services across our borders.  This is the small details day to day that remove bottlenecks to trade and reduce the cost of transactions. 

In February, I signed an executive order establishing a single window, for example, to speed the processing of cargo flows in and out of the United States.  We welcome APEC’s commitment to help all our economies streamline procedures and build capacity so we can meet our goals of reducing the time and the costs of border crossings by 10 percent by next year.

I want to welcome APEC’s endorsement of ideas we discussed in Honolulu to create more transparent procedures for citizens and businesses to comment on proposed new regulations, which I think represents an important step forward for businesses that want to cooperate seamlessly across borders and jurisdictions.

These efforts are not always large and public; they don’t always get a lot of attention.  But they represent the important strides in bringing our people closer together and making our economies stronger. 

And finally, I want to commend China for focusing this year on what APEC can do to contribute to the realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific.  The goal of FTAAP was announced in 2006 and, as leaders noted, the many regional initiatives will contribute to the eventual realization.  We see our engagement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership as a contribution towards that effort.  I look forward to the day when all of our economies can be linked together in a high-standard, 21st century agreement.  And I think that the work and the efforts of President Xi in setting this agenda here today will help facilitate that.  So we thank you very much, Mr. President, for your extraordinary hospitality.

END

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2014

Remarks by the First Lady at "Doc McStuffins" Screening for Military Children to Honor Veterans Day

South Court Auditorium

3:40 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Look who I have with me!  (Applause.)  I have Doc McStuffins with me!  Everyone, isn’t it exciting?  (Applause.)

How are you guys doing out there?  What’s going on?

CHILD:  Nothing!

MRS. OBAMA:  Nothing?  Are you sure?  (Laughter.)  How many people love Doc McStuffins?  (Applause.)  Tell me, what are some of your favorite things that you like about Doc McStuffins?

CHILD:  That she fixes toys.

MRS. OBAMA:  That she fixes toys?  What else?

CHILD:  That she’s kind.

MRS. OBAMA:  That she’s kind.

CHILD:  That she helps toys and fixes them better.

MRS. OBAMA:  She helps toys and fixes them better.

CHILD:  She makes sure they’re not sick.

MRS. OBAMA:  She makes sure they’re not sick.  That’s so good.

CHILD:  She’s really nice.

MRS. OBAMA:  She’s really nice.

CHILD:  -- and she makes sure that none of the toys get sick, too.

MRS. OBAMA:  She makes sure that none of the toys gets sick, that’s right.  Doc McStuffins is a really special young lady, isn’t she?  (Applause.)  Yay for Doc McStuffins.  But you know one of the reasons why you guys are here?

CHILD:  Why?

MRS. OBAMA:  Because you guys are some pretty special boys and girls, did you know that?

CHILD:  Yes!

MRS. OBAMA:  Yes, you should know that.  (Laughter.)  You guys are pretty special, so we wanted to do something special for you guys on Veterans Day.  How many people know that Veterans Day is coming up?  And what do we celebrate on Veterans Day?

CHILD:  Daddy!

MRS. OBAMA:  Daddies.  (Laughter.)  That’s right.

CHILD:  And mamas.

MRS. OBAMA:  And mamas.  On Veterans Day, we celebrate families like yours because your moms and dads, and maybe for some of you your grandparents, or aunts or uncles, or brothers and sisters are serving our country, and they’re making sure it’s safe for everybody in this country.  And we’re so proud of them, but, more importantly, we’re proud of you all.  Because you know what?  You guys are heroes, too.  Because your moms and dads couldn’t do what they do unless you were really smart, really kind, and really patient.  Because you guys are sacrificing just as much as your moms and dads are, and we are so very, very proud of you.  Do you know that?

CHILD:  Woo hoo!

MRS. OBAMA:  Yes, woo for you guys!  (Laughter.)  And Doc McStuffins came all the way here because she’s proud of you, too.  Yes.  She knows that you guys are heroes just like she’s a hero, all right?  And I want you guys to remember that -- that we’re all so proud of you, and you’re so special.

So we wanted to celebrate with you by showing you an episode of Doc McStuffins.  (Applause.)  So that’s what’s coming up next, okay?  So is everybody ready to see the episode?

CHILDREN:  Yes!

MRS. OBAMA:  Wait, wait, I can’t hear -- I don’t know.  I don’t know if you’re excited enough.  Let’s hear it -- are you ready to see Doc McStuffins?  (Applause.)  Do you think that’s good enough, Doc Mcstuffins?  Do you think we should show it to them?  Yes!  It’s time!  All right.

So without further ado, I give to you Doc McStuffins.  Have fun.  (Applause.)  Bye!

END
3:45 P.M. EST  

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2014

Remarks by the First Lady at National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards

East Room

2:34 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Hello, everyone.  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  Please.  Well, welcome to the White House.  (Laughter.)  You guys having fun?

AUDIENCE:  Yes!

MRS. OBAMA:  I am, too.  Well, we’re back again for the 2014 winners of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards.  Yay!  (Applause.)  It’s good stuff.

I want to start, of course, by thanking everyone from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities for sponsoring these awards and for their just amazing leadership.  Let me just take a moment to just say how wonderful it is just to have such a wonderful team of people who are so passionate and so committed and so dedicated to this work.  It has just been an honor working with you all.  I’m so proud of you.  I could go on and on and on, but -- I’m going to actually make you all stand up so that we can see -- come on -- will you guys stand up so that we can see who you are and really thank you, everyone.  (Applause.)  Thank you all.  Thank you all so much.  Great work, great work.  (Applause.)

But most of all, I want to thank everyone in this room, because we have here with us teachers, we have artists, mentors -- all of you are doing the hard work of creating these wonderful programs for our young people every single day.  You’re out there in the trenches doing the really tough, important, wonderful work.  And we’re just so grateful.

And in this role as First Lady, I have the opportunity to meet with so many different people from industries throughout the country -- elected officials, entertainers, business leaders, so many others.  And I always try to ask them one thing –- I want to know from them, what are they doing for our young people?  I always want to know that no matter what I’m doing.  I’m trying to figure out, how are we incorporating these young people?  How are we creating the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs and leaders who are going to take our place? 

And the truth is, you guys are really answering that question in a very profound, wonderful way, because your work is the answer.  It really is.  Every day, you are lifting up young people across this country, inspiring them to dream bigger and bigger for themselves in ways that just touch my heart and makes this work really worthwhile.

  From the Mississippi Delta, to my hometown of Chicago, to Houston, you all are helping young people learn to play the blues -- we’re going to get a little taste of that later on.  (Laughter.)  You help them put on their own Shakespeare productions.  You help them create their own go-karts and fashion designs.

For example, in Aurora, California [Colorado], you’ve got a program called “Job Training in the Arts,” where students not only learn skills like woodworking and design, but they also learn what it’s like to have a J-O-B.  (Laughter.)  Yes, got to know about that, right -- (laughter) -- how to do things like show up on time -- we talk about that in my household all the time -- (laughter) -- how to meet deadlines, and to present your work as a finished product at a gallery.  Great stuff.

In Los Angeles, there’s this wonderful after-school dance program called “Everybody Dance!”  And it’s making a difference for more than 600 children from underserved areas each year.  And as one former student said -- these are her words -- she said, “I can’t tell you how much this program and everything it stands for means to me.”  She said, “I learned to love, I learned to cope, I learned to express myself, and most importantly, I learned to be.”  And she says, “I am infinitely grateful.”

And that’s what we see time and again with your programs.  You teach kids more than just skills in the arts and the humanities, but you light a fire in them.  You help them grow emotionally and socially.  You give kids a spring in their step when they get out of bed each morning.  You give them something to look forward to after school each day.

And as all of you know, that has an impact on our kids -- not just on their success in the arts and in the humanities, but on their success in school and in life.  We talk about this every time we do these events -- you all know the statistics.  Research shows that arts education leads to better scores in reading and in math -- we know this.  Students who are highly involved in the arts stay in school longer than those who are not.

So through these programs, students are learning critical lessons in grit and creativity, teamwork, attention to detail that’s going to serve them well whether they go on in careers in the arts, or whether they go into science, or business, or anything else. 

So to all the young people here -- I always have a message.  You kind of aren’t in my line of sight -- but I just want you all to understand that these programs are important to change the trajectory of your lives.  I hope you understand that -- that one of the reasons we bring you here is that this stuff is good for you.  It is really, really good for you, and you are all so blessed to have these opportunities.  Because through it, you’re going to meet the mentor of your dreams.  Maybe you’ll meet another student who pushes you to be more than what you could be.  You just never know who you’re going to run into and what it’s going to do for your life.

So I want you to embrace these opportunities, and I want you to embrace them for the rest of your lives.  I want you to be seeking these kinds of opportunities out everywhere you go.  But I want you to also understand that no matter what you want to do in life, the most important thing for you to do is get an education, is really get a good education.  You have to.  That’s one of the reasons that we -- why we started Reach Higher, because we want to inspire all young people in this country to pursue their education beyond high school.  Because it’s through that education that -- it’s going to give you the chance to have control over your future.

And I can’t emphasize that enough to kids around this country.  We can’t play with education.  And through education, we need to expose them to the arts and to music, and to science and to -- but they’ve got to be in school.  So I want you guys to take this message back to all the other young people who don’t have a chance to sit here in the White House, and to experience this wonderful, unique opportunity.

But I want you to remember this one thing if nothing else from this day:  that your education is critical.  That’s why I’m standing here, that’s why most of the people in this room are here.  Don’t play around with it.  It’s the best investment that you’ll make, okay?  You guys promise me that?  Okay.  (Applause.)

And I also hope that events like this show our kids that they’ve got a lot of people behind them, right?  There are just so many people around the world who have your backs.  Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way, but look -- you’ve got all these folks who have your backs.  You’ve got a President and First Lady -- (laughter) -- we’ve got your backs.  We believe in you.  We really do.  (Applause.)

So stay focused.  Keep believing in yourselves.  Keep working hard.  Keep reaching higher -- remember that, reach higher, okay?  And keep making us proud.

And once again, to all of the folks who support these programs, who make this happen, we’re just grateful, and we just encourage you -- don’t get tired.  (Laughter.)  Yes, stay in there.  We’re really appreciative.  And I hope this afternoon, this time here at the White House is just a small way of us expressing our appreciation for the wonderful work you do.  So thank you, on behalf of our nation.

And with that, I’m going to turn it over to the co-chair of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, my dear friend, George Stevens Jr.  (Applause.)

    * * * * *

Wow!  Would you ever expect that sound coming out of those little people?  (Laughter.)  Wow, you guys are awesome!  (Applause.)  Wow!  Give me some of that.  Oh, man!  Oh!  Oh!  Oh!  Oh, my goodness!  (Applause.)  We need to have these guys back when we do our music series on the blues, that’s what we need to do.

Well, that was the best way to end, I mean, right there.  Because that’s what I always want to remind people -- it’s like, you just never know the power, the talent that is inside these kids.

And just think, if these kids didn’t have an opportunity to express that -- that’s what’s at stake.  We miss out on this.  And there are millions of kids who are missing out on this.  They have the same talent, the same drive, the same ability, the same passion, they just don’t have access to the programs that they need to get the support that they need, which is why these awards are so meaningful and special -- because they highlight to the world what the arts and humanities mean in the lives of so many kids across this country and around the world.

So as usual, well done.  Well done.  It has been a great afternoon.  We’re so proud of all of our awardees, all the young people who are here.  Just remember that message and pay it forward.  Find the next kids you guys are going to mentor, right?  Because you’re never too young to mentor.

And I want to thank all of you for all the work you do.  It’s a wonderful way to spend some time in the White House, and I hope you guys had a great time.  So there’s a reception to follow, I believe.  You guys, enjoy yourselves.  Don’t tear anything up.  (Laughter.)  We’re watching.  (Laughter.)

But thank you all again.  Have a great afternoon.  (Applause.)

END
3:20 P.M. EST

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2014

Remarks by the First Lady at the Women Veterans Career Development Forum

Women in Military Service Memorial
Arlington, Virginia

11:47 A.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you all so much.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  You guys, rest yourselves.  I hear you’re working hard so I don’t want you standing too much.

But I am really thrilled to be here.  I really am.  I’m so happy that this day is here, and that so many of you are getting the support and guidance that you need.  So I’m just delighted to be here.

I want to start by thanking Trish for her incredible service to our country, and I want to thank her again for sharing her story with us today.  I know it reflects so many of the stories that are here, and I’m so proud of Trish and all the women that I spoke to with Redbook.  They’re just amazing.  

I also want to recognize Secretary McDonald from the VA, who I know spoke to you earlier, as well as all of the experts and leaders who are joining us here today for the Career Development Forum.

But most of all, I want to thank all of you, the servicemembers and veterans who have stood up every time this country has called.  And before I go any further, I want to say two words that I don’t think we can say enough, and is, thank you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you for your service.  Thank you for your sacrifice.  Thank you for your unending commitment to our country. 

But I’m here today because I know that simply saying thank you isn’t always enough.  We’re here because of women like Trish and like all of you -– women with distinguished records of service who still struggle to find jobs after they leave the military. 

As Trish mentioned, earlier this summer, I had a chance to sit down with her and four other amazing women veterans, and as Trish mentioned, we had a good time.  We had some fun.  And I know they were a little nervous at the start; they were getting their makeup all done up, snapping pictures for the White House in the White House for a magazine cover -- (laughter) -- see, they laugh.  I know you all were nervous to start out.  (Laughter.)  
 
But then we loosened up as we got beautiful.  We sat down and chatted.  And when we sat down to talk, they all really opened up.  And it was clear to me that each of these women, they were incredibly skilled.  They were professional, poised eloquent -- I loved them.  And I could easily imagine any one of them successfully leading a team not just on land or sea, but in any company or any organization in America.  That’s -- they blew me away.

So it was incomprehensible to me that such a talented group of women struggled to find jobs when they left the military, or that they -- the limited opportunities available to them were often far beneath their skill level and pay grade.  One woman named Kandy served in the Navy for nine years, gaining a wide variety of skills -– legal work, project management, logistics.  But when she left the military, she could only find a retail job that barely paid the bills for her and her daughter.

Another one of the women, Dawn, was in logistics operations in the Air Force for eight years.  She had her bachelor’s degree and was working on her second master’s, but then she left the military and she couldn’t find a job that could support her and her four kids.  She said she went to bed hungry a lot of the nights so that her kids would have enough to eat.  And when she reached out to an employment agency for advice, they told her that since her skills were mostly in male-dominated industries, she should try using only the first initial in her first name on her resume so that employers wouldn’t know she was a woman. 

Now, unfortunately, these kinds of struggles are far too common.  And I know all of you here heard -- know the statistics.  But I want to go over them to make sure that folks across the country know them as well.  Because while we’re proud that the overall veterans’ unemployment rate has continued to drop over the past few years, women’s -- women veterans are still having a harder time finding jobs than their male counterparts. 

And last month, the unemployment rate for women veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan was 11.2 percent –- five points higher than men who served in the same conflicts, and more than double the rate for civilian women.  And that’s just wrong. 

After everything women like Trish, and Kandy, and Dawn -– and all of you -– have done for this country, the fact that any of you are worrying about where your next paycheck is going to come from, or struggling to put food on the table -- that should be appalling to all of us as Americans.  And it doesn’t make sense from a business perspective either. 

Over the past few years, I’ve had so many CEOs tell me that hiring veterans like all of you isn’t just good for the country, it’s good for their bottom lines.  They say you’re exactly the kinds of employees they want to have in their companies, and when you bring your military experience into their companies, it raises the bar for everybody. 

But unfortunately, that message hasn’t made it into every company or organization across the country.  Not every hiring manager is going to know that a chief petty officer has been responsible for the lives of dozens of their peers.  Not every HR director understands that a gunner’s mate is probably trained to do some of the most complex, high-tech analysis that you’ll find anywhere.

So that’s where we all come in.  We’ve got to do a better job of bridging that gap.  We’ve got to do more to help show even more employers across the country all the incredible skills that you all have got.  And that’s exactly what today is all about. 

So I want to thank Redbook, the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance for bringing this forum together to help you all translate your amazing military experience into amazing resumes and interviews that will ultimately lead to the careers of your dreams.

And we’ve got a wonderful group of folks here.  We’ve got folks here to help you identify job openings in business and technology, health care and defense contracting, the federal government.  We’ve got folks who can answer your questions about continuing your education, getting your professional credentials.  I know my good friend Bobbi Brown is here to talk to you about how she’s achieved success in her career.  And we have the wonderful folks from Ann Taylor who are here to give you some tips to how to look good -- (laughter) -- and boost your confidence as you prepare for a job interview -- because we can never underestimate the importance of looking good, right ladies?  (Laughter.)  

So this event is about you.  It’s about making your transition to fulfilling -- to a fulfilling and wonderful civilian career as seamless as possible.  Because we know that leaving the military can feel like you’re stepping into a whole new world.  And in the past few years, too many veterans have struggled during these crucial few months right after you hang up that uniform.

And that’s why, as President, my husband has been working to smooth the transition process for every single one of our servicemembers.  He’s overhauling and expanding the military’s entire transition process so that you’re getting better guidance and training for your next steps throughout your time in the military, and not just cramming all of it into the last couple of weeks of your time in the military. 

He’s helping you earn civilian credentials and licenses while you’re still in uniform.  He challenged the private sector to hire 100,000 veterans, and they have responded by hiring or training more than half a million vets and military spouses through our Joining Forces initiative. 

Also, this administration created a groundbreaking new website called the Veterans Employment Center, which has been up and running since spring.  Now, this website is revolutionizing the way veterans like all of you can find jobs in the public and private sectors.  It’s a one-stop shop for you to build on your profile, create a resume, find a list of job openings that suit the skills you’ve learned in the military.  And already there are more than a million job postings, and it features hundreds of employers that have committed to hiring our veterans.  And on top of all that, this website also allows you to view all of your other earned benefits, things like career counseling, the GI Bill. 

So this is like your own personal transition toolbox right there for you on your computer.  So I want to urge all of you here and every veteran and transitioning servicemember in the country to take advantage of this by going to ebenefits.va.gov just to get started.

I also want to call on employers across the country to do the same thing, because this website will connect your business or organization to some of the most highly qualified, most dynamic people you will ever have the chance to hire.  And I’m also excited to announce that we’ve got a new commitment that will make this an even more powerful tool for veterans across the country. 

As you all probably know, LinkedIn is one of the most popular ways for people to connect with employers and find jobs. 

There are more than a hundred million LinkedIn members in the United States, and with this new commitment, it’s going to be easier for veterans like you to stand out from that crowd. 

So starting today, if you fill out a profile on LinkedIn, or if you already have one, with just a few clicks, you can now import your profile directly onto the Veterans Employment Center website.  That means it’s going to be easier than ever to access all those features on the Veterans Employment Center.  Plus, LinkedIn continues to give veterans access to everything on their network -– from their training materials to a full year of “Premium Jobseeker” tools.  And so for all of you here today, that means that you’ll be a featured applicant for employers, and you can contact anyone on the entire LinkedIn network. 

And here’s the kicker -- LinkedIn is doing it all for free.  These tools are worth hundreds of dollars a year.  So this commitment doesn’t just give you a leg up on your competition, it saves you money, and it saves your family some money, as well.

And for those of you looking to diversify your skills or continue your education, we’ve got another announcement for you, as well.  Coursera, which is an online educational platform, is stepping up to offer one free verified certificate to any veteran in a number of high-demand fields like data science or entrepreneurship.  Once you complete the certificate, you can easily upload that information onto your LinkedIn profile.

And if you don’t have internet access at home, or you want to meet up with other folks taking the same course, Coursera and the VA are teaming up to open 20 “Learning Hubs” all across the country.  That means troops and vets like all of you can get together, get online, get the training you need for the jobs you dream of.  

So this is some good stuff -- really.  (Applause.)  That just shows you the kind of commitment, when people are asked.  And that’s what I want you all to realize -- people love you guys, and they want to find ways to make this easier for you.  And now we want you to take advantage.  And that’s really what all this work is about -- it’s about making a real, concrete difference for you, your families, and your future. 

And while we hope that this forum and these commitments will make a big difference, we also know that we’ve got a lot more work to do.  There are still far too many hurdles out there for our veterans, and we’re going to keep working until each and every one of you has a job –- and not just any job, but a good job, a job you can raise a family on -- yes.  (Applause.)  

 And I know that’s a big goal -- it is a big goal -- but you’ve got to reach high.  And with partnerships like we’ve just announced today, I know that we can do this.  This building we’re in right now reminds me that we can do this.  (Applause.)  Just think about all those women we honor here in this memorial, all the glass ceilings they shattered. 

For years, women couldn’t serve in an official role in the military at all.  They were banned from leading other troops and giving orders to men.  Even just six years ago -– six years –- we’d never had a woman four-star general, but now we’ve got three, including the first African American woman, who was promoted this summer.  (Applause.)  Absolutely.  Woo woo!  (Applause.)  

Today, women are serving in almost every capacity in the military, including the front lines.  And perhaps most importantly, women like all of you are igniting a broader cultural shift.  You’re refashioning the image we have of our veterans.  You’re showing us that our troops are as diverse as the rest of our country.   And in doing so, you all are carrying forward the legacy of those we honor at this museum.  And for that, you should be very, very proud -- very proud.

So as you set off into your job search, I want you all to stand tall.  Don’t be afraid to go out there and sell yourselves.  And I know that might be a little counterintuitive for many of you because that’s not what you’re used to doing in the military.  You’re used to focusing on the mission and not yourself. 

But let me just share this one thing:  I have worked in so many different professions –- from government to nonprofits to the corporate world -- and I can tell you from my own experience that if you want a job, you can’t be modest.  You’ve got to show off a little bit.  And believe me, you all have so much to show off.  That’s the beauty of it -- those years in the military set you apart from so many other candidates. 

You know about real leadership.  You know about team building.  You know how to work in all sorts of different situations with all sorts of people.  And more than anything else, you all know that no matter what it takes, you’re going to figure out how to complete whatever mission is in front of you.

And so I want you to know that when other folks hear about the incredible experience you’ve gained while serving our country, they are going to respond.  They are going to respond.  That’s what happened for Trish, it’s what already happened for those two other wonderful women I spoke about earlier as well.  Because after our meeting, when a community member found out that Kandy was a veteran looking for a job, he lined up an interview for her, and she knocked that interview right out the park –- they offered her a job the same day. 

And then Dawn -- yes, yes.  (Applause.)  And Dawn, with the help of BPW’s veteran mentoring program, she landed a job she loves as an auditor and she also started her own business, and is building a new home for her and her four kids.  And all the while -- yes -- (applause) -- she managed to do all that and she kept her full name on her resume.  (Laughter and applause.) 

So just like these women, just remember you might have your ups and downs, but I want you to know that this whole country believes in you, and we’ve got your backs.  So we’re going to keep rallying this country to serve you as well as you’ve served us.

We’re going to keep asking businesses to commit to hiring veterans and military spouses.  We’re going to keep sharing your stories and reaching out to employers to make sure they understand the depth of your skill and experience.  And we’re going to keep working to create more events like this one.  So we want more organizations and businesses to do this.  If you’re watching, come together around our veterans.  We want these to happen in communities all across this country.  This day needs to be replicated.

So I’m not going to stop, I know my husband’s not going to stop until each and every one of you has the job you deserve and the respect and support you have earned.  That’s our pledge to you. 

So again, thank you.  Thank you for your service.  Have a great day today.  Good luck.  And God bless you all.  It’s been an honor working with you.  (Applause.) 

END
12:06 P.M. EST

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2014

Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Abbott of Australia After Bilateral Meeting

Beijing, China

3:20 P.M. CST

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  I just want to express my appreciation to Prime Minister Abbott and his team, and the people of Australia not only for the upcoming G-20 and the arrangements that they've made for what I'm sure is going to be a very important discussion about global growth, but for the incredibly strong bilateral alliance and relationship between our peoples.  Time and again, Australia has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States on issues of critical international security.  Today is no different. 

We have seen Australian participation as part of a coalition dealing with ISIL in Iraq.  They continue to be an outstanding member of the coalition in our efforts to stabilize Afghanistan.  Tony personally has expressed his extraordinary commitment to battling foreign fighters that threaten both of our homelands.  And obviously, the men and women of the Australian armed forces have terrific capabilities and on many occasions have made extraordinary sacrifice.  So first and foremost, I want to thank him for the security partnership that we have.

We also have a strong economic partnership.  And I'm certain that the G-20 will be productive because Tony has emphasized the need for us to emphasize growth and jobs.  That's true in Australia, that's true in the United States.  It's true around the world at a time when global demand continues to be weak, and we see certain regions of the world lagging behind the kind of growth rates that we'd like to see.  And so I'm looking forward to a very productive conversation there.

We also discussed the opportunities.  TPP is an obvious one, and Australia has been an outstanding partner on that front.  We have additional opportunities in APEC and the East Asia Summit to discuss how this incredibly dynamic region can cooperate more effectively together around issues like infrastructure, disaster relief, streamlining regulations to facilitate greater trade.  Throughout all this, we find that Australia consistently shares values, ideals, a sense of global responsibility that is unparalleled.  And we very much appreciate our friendship and our cooperation, and are confident that over the next several days we'll be making progress on all these fronts.

PRIME MINISTER ABBOTT:  Barack, thank you so much.  It's great to be here in Beijing with you and with obviously many other leaders. 

I see the next couple of days in Beijing here at APEC as being very much the right lead-in to the G-20 in Brisbane because essentially both APEC and the G-20 are about growth and jobs.  That's what the world needs.  It needs more growth.  And more growth means more jobs.

So I'm very pleased to be here.  I guess I should observe that one of the innovations of the G-20 this year has been not only to agree that we need more growth, but for all of the G-20 countries to put forward its plan for growth, and to submit individual country plans to a form of peer review.  And the fact that we've all been able to say not just that we want growth, but that we intend to get extra growth in a particular way, and then to let everyone know what that way is means that there's a good chance that it's actually going to get delivered because we'll be able to see in the months and years ahead how much of these growth strategies are actually being delivered.

But again, if I may say, it is always good to be with the President of the United States.  Australia and the United States are a great partnership.  And I want to thank President Obama for the leadership that he's shown in so many areas.  But obviously as we deal with the ISIL death cult in the Middle East, your leadership has been deft.  And Australia is very -- we don't like being -- the necessity of being part of the coalition, but it is a necessity.  And that's why we'll be a staunch member.

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  All right, we've got time for a couple questions each.  We’ll start with Julie Pace of AP. 

Q      Thank you, Mr. President.  Can you give us a sense of what signals or outreach you received from the North Koreans that led to your decision to send James Clapper to secure the release of the Americans?  And do you see this breakthrough as a possible precursor to broader talks with North Korea on nuclear issues or other matters?

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  We had an indication that there was the possibility of the release of these two hostages or prisoners -- and we pursued it.  It did not touch on some of the broader issues that have been the source of primary concern when it comes to North Korea -- in particular, it's development of nuclear capacity.

There were not high-level policy discussions between Jim Clapper and the North Koreans.  But we have been consistent in saying that when and if North Korea becomes serious about denuclearization on the Peninsula and is prepared to have a conversation around that topic, then the United States is going to be very open to trying to arrive at a solution that over the long term could lead to greater prosperity and security for North Korea.

 Until that time, there's going to be a core problem between us.  And obviously I'm incredibly thankful to Jim Clapper for the efforts that he made.  And I couldn't be happier for the families as we enter into the holidays to know that their loved ones are back.  It's a good-news story.

We continue, though, to have a broader fundamental conflict with the North Koreans.  And it's going to take, I think in addition to small gestures like the ones that we saw -- the release of these individuals -- a broader understanding on the part of the North Koreans that all the countries in the region, including China, including the Republic of Korea, including Japan consider this to be their number-one security priority -- making sure that we do not have a nuclearized Korean Peninsula.  And up until this point at least, we had not seen serious engagement on the part of Pyongyang to deal with that problem.

Q       Did you get any better indication about Kim Jong-un and his strategy for dealing with the U.S. through these negotiations?

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  No.

PRIME MINISTER ABBOTT:  I think we have an Australia question?  Phil?

Q       Phil Currie, from the Australian Financial Review.  Mr. President, your government had conversations with our government about China's proposal for the Infrastructure Investment Bank in the region.  Could I ask you, sir, what your concerns were about that bank, what you relayed to our government?  Were they more strategic or were they financial?

And, Mr. Abbott, would you like to comment, as well? 

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  It's interesting.  We were talking before you came in about my belief that it's in all of our interest for China to be successful, prosperous and to be an outstanding international partner.

You want the most populous country in the world to be stable and successful.  And as China has undertaken this extraordinary journey over the last several decades, and we've seen unprecedented numbers of people move out of dire poverty into a more stable economic situation, it's all for the good if China then now becomes a contributor to broader international efforts to help less developed countries and to alleviate poverty elsewhere. 

 So not only are we not opposed to those efforts, we want to actively encourage efforts for China to make contributions to the international order.  But what we've consistently said is that it's important for China to uphold international rules and norms as it expands its influence both regionally and around the world.

So on something like an infrastructure bank in this region, making sure that there's transparency and accountability, and that if it's, in fact, a multilateral institution, that there are rules that all countries are abiding by in the operations of the institution.  Those are the same rules by which the World Bank or IMF or Asia Development Bank or any other international institutions needs to abide by.

When the United States helped to craft those institutions after World War II, the United States deliberately restrained itself in some ways, bound itself to certain norms and certain rules because we were confident that when everybody is following a set of rules of the road, all of us are better off -- large countries, small countries alike. 

And so I think our message, whether it's on the Asia Development Bank or on some of the maritime issues that have caused tension and consternation in the region, our message is that we want to see China successful.  Inevitably, they are going to have influence and exert a certain gravitational pull just by dint of size and what's happened with their economy and the extraordinary capabilities of their people.  But as they grow, we want them to be a partner in underwriting the international order, not undermining it.

PRIME MINISTER ABBOTT:  Phil, as you know, the Chinese have been promoting this for at least 12 months now.  And ever since the idea was first floated, many countries have been talking to China about it and amongst themselves about it.  So there’s been lots and lots of conversations with a whole range of people in countries about the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank. 

In principle, a new multilateral body to help promote infrastructure will be good for growth and good for jobs.  But it does, as far as we’re concerned, have to be a genuinely multilateral body; and as a genuinely multilateral body, would be very happy to be part of it -- and I think most countries would.  And I guess that’s what we’re looking to see.  We’re looking to see some evolution in the time ahead to a situation where this has the sorts of governance and transparency that other multilateral institutions have.

So it’s a body that no one country can unilaterally control.  And if and when we get that, I think it will be a good contributor to growth in our region and in the wider world.

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Phil Mattingly.

Q       Thank you, Mr. President.  Chinese President Xi Jinping said yesterday that he backed how the current chief executive is handling protestors in Hong Kong.  I wondered if you agreed with that assessment.  And what, if any, concerns do you plan on raising about the issue while you’re here in Beijing?

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Our message has been consistent with President Xi and with his predecessors.  There are certain things that the United States believes.  We believe in freedom of speech.  We believe in freedom of association.  We believe in openness in government as befitting our traditions and our way of life.  We don’t expect China to follow an American model in every instance, but we’re going to continue to have concerns about human rights.  Obviously the situation between China and Hong Kong is historically complicated and is in the process of transition.  And I think our primary message has been to make sure that violence is avoided as the people of Hong Kong try to sort through what this next phase of their relationship is to the mainland.

But we’re not going to stop speaking out on behalf of the things that we care about, recognizing that we also have significant interest in business to do with China, and recognizing that China is not at the same place in terms of their development, both politically and economically, as we are today.  But I think it would be unrealistic to expect that we set those concerns aside because, as I’ve said in international forums as well as bilateral meetings, respect for human rights, respect for the dignity of individuals I don’t believe is unique to America, it’s not unique to the West.  I think people have aspirations for a certain amount of freedom and dignity, and the ability to shape their own lives all around the globe.  And I’m proud that despite the fact that in too many places those rights aren’t always observed, that we’re consistently a voice encouraging more space for those voices. 

When we travel to Burma later on this trip, you’re seeing an evolution that’s taking place there that’s powerful.  It’s incomplete, it takes place in fits and starts, but it’s something that ultimately I believe will result in greater prosperity and security for the people there.  And to the extent that we can be constructive partners and observers to that process, we will do so.

PRIME MINISTER ABBOTT:  I think there’s another Australian question.

Q       Thank you, Prime Minister.  A question for both gentlemen.  I’m sorry, Mark Kenny from Fairfax Media in Australia.  A question for both of you, if I may. 

Mr. President, you’ve recently increased your country’s commitment to the Iraq campaign against ISIL.  I’m wondering, was this specifically raised as a topic in the meeting you just had?  Did you put a request to Australia that it also increase its troop commitment or its military commitment to that effort?

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  It was a topic -- because as I said, Australia has been a stalwart contributor to this effort.  And Tony has been crystal clear about why it’s so important for us to defeat ISIL -- not only for the good of the region and the people of Iraq, but ultimately for the people of the United States and Australia and people around the world.

But what I explained to Tony was the same thing that I said in an interview yesterday in the United States.  We’re moving to a slightly different phase now.  Initially our goal was to stop the momentum of ISIL as it was sweeping through Iraq, and you were seeing too many Iraqi security force units scatter.  And although, particularly in Anbar Province in the west, you’re still seeing ISIL take over isolated towns, you haven’t seen the same momentum.

The situation with respect to Iraqi security forces has stabilized, although the number of effective units is significantly smaller than it needs to be.  So the next phase is for us to train and assist Iraqi security forces so that they can begin to build up and go on offense.  We can provide close air support, we can provide logistics and intelligence, but ultimately they’re the ones who are going to have to fight to push ISIL out of some of these areas that they’ve taken over.  And in order for us to do that, we’re going to have to have more trainers on the ground, and that is the reason why I authorized this additional number of U.S. troops.

What hasn’t changed is that it’s not our folks who are going to be doing the fighting.  Iraqis ultimately have to fight ISIL and they have to determine their own security.  But we are recognizing the need for us to ramp up Iraqi capabilities, not only the Iraqi security forces, but also some of the tribes in western Iraq that have shown a willingness to go against ISIL but are out-gunned and too often out-maneuvered at this stage.

Now, I recognize that the United States, as one member of the coalition, has some unique capabilities in setting up the template, setting up the structure for that training to take place in a way that protects our people, ensures that we have the kinds of enablers that make it safe for our folks to be there -- not without risk, but at least it protects them against extraordinary risks.

As we are setting that up, I am having conversations with Australia and other coalition partners that are already committed to putting trainers in to see how they can supplement and work with us in this overall effort.  But the key point that I emphasized to Tony and I’m emphasizing to all our coalition members is our task here is to help Iraqis help themselves.  This is not the same situation as we saw either in the Iraq war in 2003, 2004, 2005, or what we’ve been doing in Afghanistan where our men and women have been much more in the front lines.  It doesn’t mean that there are not risks involved, and I’m very mindful of making sure that as we look at these train-and-assist plans, that we’re setting up the best possible circumstance for what is an inherently dangerous job, but it does mean that the principle that we’re not engaged in direct combat, that continues.

PRIME MINISTER ABBOTT:  The President is absolutely right.  The ISIL death cult is a menace to the whole world.  They’ve declared war on the world.  And it’s good that the President, working with the Iraq government, has assembled a strong coalition to assist the Iraqi government to respond effectively and ultimately to regain control over its own territory.

I think it’s very important that we never lose sight of the fact that this death cult is, as declared Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib, it’s against God, it’s against Islam, and it’s against our common humanity -- as we’ve seen repeatedly in recent months.

So it is important to respond strongly, which is what the U.S.-led coalition is doing.  There are various different missions here.  There’s the advise-and-assist mission.  There’s a developing train-and-assist mission.  Our priority at the moment is getting our special forces into Baghdad and then into the field on the advise-and-assist mission that we’ve sent them.  That’s happening, and I’m confident that our people will do good work.

But the point that the President makes is absolutely right.  In the end, no one is going to fight harder for Iraq than Iraqis will fight for themselves.  And that’s what we’re doing.  We’re helping them to reclaim their country from something which is evil, from something which is a menace to them, and if it’s allowed to remain, will be a menace to all of us.

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you very much, everybody.

END                            
3:44 P.M. CST

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2014

Remarks by President Obama at APEC CEO Summit

Beijing, China

4:51 P.M. CST

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you so much.  Xiàwǔ hǎo.  (Applause.)  Thank you, Andrew, for that introduction.  I have had the pleasure of getting to know Andrew very well these past few years.  We have worked him hard –- he helped my administration with strategies for growing high-tech manufacturing to hiring more long-term unemployed.  He’s just as good at corporate citizenship as he is at running a corporation.  Later I’ll visit Brisbane, where I know Andrew spent some of his youth.  I’m sure he’s got some suggestions for fun there, but not necessarily things that a President can do.  (Laughter.)  We don’t know how he spent his youth, but I’m sure he had some fun.  

It is wonderful to be back in China, and I’m grateful for the Chinese people’s extraordinary hospitality.  This is my sixth trip to Asia as President, and my second this year alone.  And that’s because, as I’ve said on each of my visits, America is a thoroughly Pacific nation.  We’ve always had a history with Asia.  And our future -- our security and our prosperity -- is inextricably intertwined with Asia.  I know the business leaders in attendance today agree.

I’ve now had the privilege to address the APEC CEO summit in Singapore, in Yokohama, and in my original hometown of Honolulu, now in Beijing.  And I think it’s safe to say that few global forums are watched more closely by the business community.  There’s a good reason for that.  Taken together, APEC economies account for about 40 percent of the world’s population, and nearly 60 percent of its GDP.  That means we’re home to nearly three billion customers, and three-fifths of the global economy. 

And over the next five years, nearly half of all economic growth outside the United States is projected to come from right here, in Asia.  That makes this region an incredible opportunity for creating jobs and economic growth in the United States.  And any serious leader in America, whether in politics or in commerce, recognizes that fact.

Now the last time I addressed this CEO summit was three years ago.  Today, I’ve come back at a moment when, around the world, the United States is leading from a position of strength.  This year, of course, has seen its share of turmoil and uncertainty.  But whether it’s our fight to degrade and destroy the terrorist network known as ISIL, or to contain and combat the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, the one constant –- the one global necessity –- is and has been American leadership. 

And that leadership in the world is backed by the renewed strength of our economy at home.  Today, our businesses have created 10.6 million jobs over the longest uninterrupted stretch of job growth in American history.  We’re on pace for the best year of job growth since the 1990s.  Since we started creating jobs again, the U.S. has put more people back to work than Europe, Japan, and every other advanced economy combined. 

And when you factor in what’s happening in our broader economy –- a manufacturing sector that as Andrew said is growing now at a rapid pace; graduation rates that are rising; deficits that have shrunk by two-thirds; health care inflation at 50-year lows; and an energy boom at new highs –- when you put all this together, what you get is an American economy that is primed for steadier, more sustained growth, and better poised to lead and succeed in the 21st century than just about any other nation on Earth.

And you don’t have to take our word for it –- take yours.  For two years in a row, business executives like all of you have said that the world's most attractive place to invest is the United States.  And we're going to go for a three-peat.  We're going to try to make it the same this year.

But despite the responsibilities of American leadership around the world, despite our attention to getting our economy growing, there should be no doubt that the United States of America remains entirely committed when it comes to Asia.  America is a Pacific power, and we are leading to promote shared security and shared economic growth this century, just as we did in the last.

In fact, one of my core messages throughout this trip -- from APEC to the East Asia Summit to the G20 in Australia -- is that working together we need growth that is balanced, growth that is strong, growth that is sustainable, and growth where prosperity is shared by everybody who is willing to work hard.

As President of the United States I make no apologies for doing whatever I can to bring new jobs and new industries to America.  But I've always said, in the 21st century, the pursuit of economic growth, job creation and trade is not a zero-sum game.  One country's prosperity doesn't have to come at the expense of another.  If we work together and act together, strengthening the economic ties between our nations will benefit all of our nations.  That's true for the nations of APEC, and I believe it's particularly true for the relationship between the United States and China.  (Applause.)

I've had the pleasure of hosting President Xi twice in the United States.  The last time we met, in California, he pointed out that the Pacific Ocean is big enough for both of our nations.  And I agree.  The United States welcomes the rise of a prosperous, peaceful and stable China.  I want to repeat that.  (Applause.)  I want to repeat that:  We welcome the rise of a prosperous, peaceful and stable China. 

In fact, over recent decades the United States has worked to help integrate China into the global economy -- not only because it's in China's best interest, but because it's in America's best interest, and the world's best interest.  We want China to do well.  (Applause.)

We compete for business, but we also seek to cooperate on a broad range of shared challenges and shared opportunities.  Whether it's stopping the spread of Ebola, or preventing nuclear -- preventing nuclear proliferation, or deepening our clean energy partnership, combating climate change, a leadership role that, as the world's two largest economies and two largest carbon emitters, we have a special responsibility to embrace. 

If China and the United States can work together, the world benefits.  And that's something this audience is acutely interested in.  (Applause.)  We continually have to work to strengthen the bilateral trade and investment between our two nations.  America's first trade mission visited China just a year after America's revolution ended.  Two hundred and thirty years later, we are the two largest economies in the world. 

And the trade and investment relationship we have benefits both of our countries.  China is our fastest growing export market.  Chinese direct investment in the United States has risen six-fold over the past five years.  Chinese firms directly employ a rapidly growing number of Americans.  And all these things mean jobs for the American people; and deepening these ties will mean more jobs and opportunity for both of our peoples.

And that's why I'm very pleased to announce that during my visit the United States and China have agreed to implement a new arrangement for visas that will benefit everyone from students, to tourists, to businesses large and small.  Under the current arrangement, visas between our two countries last for only one year.  Under the new arrangement, student and exchange visas will be extended to five years; business and tourist visas will be extended to 10 years.  (Applause.)

Now, of course, that will be good for the businessmen who are going back and forth all the time.  But keep in mind, last year, 1.8 million Chinese visitors to the United States contributed $21 billion to our economy and supported more than 100,000 American jobs.  This agreement could help us more than quadruple those numbers.

I've heard from American business leaders about how valuable this step will be.  And we've worked hard to achieve this outcome because it clearly serves the mutual interest of both of our countries.  (Applause.)  So I'm proud that during my visit to China we will mark this important breakthrough, which will benefit our economies and bring our people together, and I’m pleased that President Xi has been a partner in getting this done –- very much appreciate his work on this.  (Applause.)

Now, deepening our economic ties is why I also hope to make progress with President Xi towards an ambitious, high-standard, bilateral investment treaty that opens up China’s economy to American investors -- an agreement that could unlock even more progress and more opportunity in both of our countries.  We’re also working together to put -- in pursuit of an international agreement on the ITA.  And we’ll speak directly and candidly, as we always do, about specific actions China can take to help all of us, across the Asia-Pacific, to expand trade and investment, which many of the CEOs I talk to raise in our discussions.

We look to China to create a more level playing field on which foreign companies are treated fairly so that they can compete fairly with Chinese companies; a playing field where competition policy promotes the welfare of consumers and doesn’t benefit just one set of companies over another.  We look to China to become an innovative economy that values the protection of intellectual property rights, and rejects cybertheft of trade secrets for commercial gain.  We look to China to approve biotechnology advances that are critical to feeding a growing planet on the same timeline as other countries, to move definitively toward a more market-determined exchange rate, and, yes, to stand up for human rights and freedom of the press.  And we don’t suggest these things because they’re good for us; we suggest that China do these things for the sake of sustainable growth in China, and the stability of the Asia-Pacific region.  And I look forward to discussing these issues, along with China’s concerns and ideas, with President Xi over the next few days.

Now even as America works to deepen our bilateral ties with China, we’re focused this week on deepening our ties with all the APEC economies, including reducing barriers to trade and investment, so that companies like yours can grow, create new jobs, and promote prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region. 

After all, Asia’s largest export market is the United States -- that benefits American consumers because it has led to more affordable goods and services.  Six of America’s top 10 export markets are APEC economies, and more than 60 percent of our exports –- over $1 trillion worth of goods and services -– are purchased by APEC economies.  That supports millions of American jobs.

So the work that APEC members have done together over the years has lowered tariffs, cut shipping costs, and made it cheaper, easier, and faster to do business – and that supports good jobs in all of our nations.  We’ve worked together to improve food security, encourage clean energy, promote education, and deliver disaster relief.  And all of this has made a difference. 

But we can always do more.  We can do more to reduce barriers to trade and economic growth.  Since 2006, we’ve worked together toward the ultimate goal of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and APEC has shown a number of pathways that could make it a reality.  And one of those pathways is the Trans-Pacific Partnership between the United States and 11 other nations.  Once complete, this partnership will bring nearly 40 percent of the global economy under an agreement that means increased trade, greater investment, and more jobs for its member countries; a level playing field on which businesses can compete; high standards that protect workers, the environment, and intellectual property.  And I just met with several other members of the TPP who share my desire to make this agreement a reality, we’re going to keep on working to get it done.  For we believe that this is the model for trade in the 21st century.

Agreements like this will benefit our economies and our people.  But they also send a strong message that what’s important isn’t just whether our economies continue to grow, but how they grow; that what’s best for our people isn’t a race to the bottom, but a race to the top.  Obviously, ensuring the continued growth and stability of the Asia-Pacific requires more than a focus on growing trade and investment. 

Steady, sustainable growth requires making it easier for small businesses to access capital and new markets.  And when about one-third of small businesses in the region are run by women, then steady, sustainable growth requires every woman’s ability to fully participate in the economy.  That’s true in the United States and that’s true everywhere.

Steady, sustainable growth requires promoting policies and practices that keep the Internet open and accessible.

Steady, sustainable growth requires a planet where citizens can breathe clean air, and drink clean water, and eat safe food, and make a living fishing healthy oceans.

Steady, sustainable growth requires mobilizing the talents and resources of all our people –- regardless of gender, or religion, or color, or creed; offering them the opportunity to participate in open and transparent political and economic systems; where we cast a harsh light on bribery and corruption, and a well-deserved spotlight on those who strive to play by the rules.

Those are all some of the areas we’ll be focused on at APEC this week, and going forward.  And obviously every country is different –- no country is following the same model.  But there are things that bind us together, and despite our differences, we know there are certain standards and ideals that will benefit all people. 

We know that if given a choice, our young people would demand more access to the world’s information, not less.  We know that if allowed to organize, our workers would better -- demand working conditions that don’t injure them, that keep them safe; that they’re looking for stronger labor and environmental safeguards, not weaker.  We know that if given a voice, women wouldn’t say give us less; they’d speak up for more access to markets, more access to capital, more seats in our legislature and our boardrooms.

So these are all key issues in growth as well.  Sometimes we focus just on trade and investment and dollars and cents, but these things are important as well.  These ideals aren’t just topics for summits and state visits.  They’re touchstones of the world that we’re going to leave to our children.  The United States is not just here in Asia to check a box; we’re here because we believe our shared future is here in Asia, just as our shared past has been. 

We’re looking to a future where a worker in any of our countries can afford to provide for his family; where his daughter can go to school and start a business and have a fair shot at success; where fundamental rights are cherished, and protected, and not denied.  And that future is one where our success is defined less by armies and less by bureaucrats, and more by entrepreneurs, and innovators, by dreamers and doers, by business leaders who focus as much on the workers they empower as the prosperity that they create.  That’s future that we see.  That’s why we’re here.  It’s why we’ve worked so closely together these past several years.  And as long as I’m America’s President, I’m going to be invested in your success because I believe it is essential to our success as well. 

Thank you very much.  Xièxiè.

END
5:11 P.M. CST

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2014

Remarks by the President Before TPP Meeting

Beijing, China

1:17 P.M. CST

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  I want to thank all my fellow peers and the trade ministers for joining us here today.  I know we all have very busy schedules, so I’m going to keep my remarks brief.

We’re here today because the Trans-Pacific Partnership is a high priority for our nations and for the region.  As President, strengthening American leadership in the Asia Pacific has been one of my top foreign policy priorities.  And central to that objective is working with some of our most important trading partners to find ways in which we can facilitate increased growth for all of us, increased investment for all of us, improve jobs prospects for all of us. 

And what we are seeing is momentum building around a Trans-Pacific Partnership that can spur greater economic growth, spur greater jobs growth, set high standards for trade and investment throughout the Asia Pacific.  And I don’t think I have to explain to the press why this region is so important.  This is the fastest-growing, most populous, most dynamic region in the world economically.

During the past few weeks, our teams have made good progress in resolving several outstanding issues regarding a potential agreement.  Today is an opportunity at the political level for us to break some remaining logjams.  To ensure that TPP is a success, we also have to make sure that all of our people back home understand the benefits for them -- that it means more trade, more good jobs, and higher incomes for people throughout the region, including the United States.  And that’s the case that I’ll continue to make to Congress and the American people.  And I know that the leaders here are committed to making that case as well.

This has the potential for being a historic achievement.  It’s now up to all of us to see if we can finalize a deal that is both ambitious and comprehensive.  The stronger the agreement, the greater the benefits to our people.

So to all my fellow leaders, I want to thank you not just for your participation here today but, more importantly, for the mandate that you have given to your negotiating teams to engage in some very serious work that promises to deliver greater prosperity, trade and commerce between our nations in the future.

Thank you very much.

END
1:19 P.M. CST