U.S. Relations With the People's Republic of China (2009)

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 22, 2009

BRIEFING BY PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

12:47 P.M. EDT

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

Q: Robert, it's pretty clear that at this point, talking about energy -- energy and climate -- that the President is not going to go to Copenhagen in December with any kind of treaty. What then would be the purpose of even making the trip?

MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think continuing to make progress internationally on clean energy and climate change will be important, regardless of where we are in the domestic political debate. Obviously our involvement sends important signals to those -- what I'm saying is, being involved in the negotiations right now and moving forward is important to demonstrate to developing nations that have also in the past been reticent to enter into agreements -- places like China, places like Brazil, places like India -- I think being at the table right now to make progress and to seek those solutions sends an important signal throughout the world.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

END
1:33 P.M. EDT