During the meeting in the Oval Office, Clinton and Jiang formalized an agreement on nuclear technology. Under the agreement, China would end its program for assisting Iran in developing nuclear capabilities, and in return United States businesses would be eligible to compete for nuclear power plant projects in China.
Following the formal meeting, Vice President Al Gore '69 hosted a lunch for Jiang.
An afternoon press conference by Clinton and Jiang highlighted the differences that remain between the United States and China. On human rights, Clinton said China's policies are "on the wrong side of history," and "we have profound disagreements there." He later reinforced his point, saying "you shouldn't in any way minimize the steep differences that still remain between us over that issue."
On Taiwan, Jiang responded with similar conviction, saying, "We do not commit to renounce the use of force, but this is not directed at the compatriots in Taiwan."
Wednesday night, President Clinton hosted a State Dinner for Jiang. The guest list included not only U.S. and Chinese government officials but also the heads of some of America's largest companies, such as AT&T, Boeing, IBM and Time Warner.
The State Dinner itself generated a small controversy when the Chinese rejected the White House's proposal to hold the dinner in a heated tent, with hardwood floors, on the South Lawn of the White House. The Chinese insisted on the more formal elegance of the East Room of the White House interior. The White House consequently had to curtail its guest list.
Thursday
Jiang met House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and other Congressional leaders over breakfast in Washington.
Later in the day he traveled to Philadelphia, where he toured Independence Hall and saw the Liberty Bell.
Friday
Jiang's schedule for Friday includes a breakfast in New York with former president George Bush and a foray into the capitalist world. Jiang will ring the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange, a publicity event tinged with irony because of the stock market roller coaster this week, precipitated by the Hong Kong market's dramatic decline. Jiang will not be greeted in New York by either New York Mayor Rudolf W. Giuliani or Governor George Pataki
Later Jiang is expected to visit the headquarters of IBM and AT&T.
Saturday
Jiang is scheduled to speak at Harvard and then have lunch with acting Massachusetts Gov. A. Paul Celluci before flying to Los Angeles.
Sunday
On his final day in the United States, Jiang will again meet with business representatives and Chinese diplomats. He plans to have lunch with Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riodan.