Teng: Yes, it seems we don't have very much common language when it comes to the question of agriculture and energy. But we can exchange views.
Kissinger: I actually think we should have some common interests.
Teng: As for China itself, the food problem and energy problem do not exist for us, in that sense.
As for the Cambodian issues, I think you should be clear about our views, that is, both Samdech Norodom Sihanouk and the resistance forces within the country are neither puppets of Hanoi or puppets of China as some people say. Figureheads.
Kissinger: We agree they aren't figureheads of China.
Teng: Nor of Hanoi.
Kissinger: That we are not sure of.
Teng: We can assure you. They are entirely figureheads for the independence of their own country and nation. Actually why does the United States have to get itself involved in this issue? Because from the beginning it was their own problem. Let them solve their own problem.
Kissinger: The United States is already involved in the issue. It can't make the decision whether to get involved.
Teng: Since you have the power to decide whether to get involved, you also have the power to decide not to be involved.
Kissinger: That may be partly true, but for the U.S. to simply abandon people with whom we have been working has a larger significance and it is not a habit we should acquire lightly.
Teng: It should also be true to say you have worked with Sihanouk for an even longer period of time.
Kissinger: We don't exclude Sihanouk. We think we should find a formula for a negotiation to get started, the outcome of which would, in all probability be Sihanouk.
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