U.S. President Ronald Reagan: We Will Create Miracles of All Kinds by Working Together

“On April 28, I took Nancy to the Great Wall. I have seen it in photos and movies, but seeing the real spectacular thing is still amazing. Standing there and watching the Great Wall disappear between the mountains, I found there was hardly any word to describe my feelings. China is just like the Great Wall, great and profound.” Wrote Ronald Wilson Reagan, then U.S. President.

[The 40th President of the United States]

On April 28, 1984, Ronald Reagan, then President of the United States, and his wife climbed the Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, China.

The majestic Great Wall embodies the toiling, struggles and wisdom of ancient Chinese working people. It is a rare military defense project in the history of architecture and a symbol of the peaceful spirit of the Chinese nation.

Standing next to this world-renowned architecture, Reagan said in awe: “We’ve been in your country only 5 days, but already we’ve seen the wonders of a lifetime, the Great Wall of China a structure so huge and marvelous that it can be seen from space.”

Reagan was the first sitting American president to visit China after the two countries established diplomatic relations. He did not hesitate to express his admiration for the new look China had taken after its Reform and Opening-up began.

“We are both countries of great vitality and strength, each of them holds a special weight in our respective sides of the world. We are at a point where we can build the basis for a lasting friendship. What wonders lie before us if we practice the advice: Tong Li He Zuo--Connect strength, and work together.”

Spanning two thousand years of time and space, the Great Wall of China has built a bridge of friendship between China and the United States.

As Reagan said: “I hope that when history looks back upon this new chapter in our relationship, these will be remembered as days when America and China accepted the challenge to strengthen the ties that bind us, to cooperate for greater prosperity among our people, and to strive for a more secure and just peace in the world.”