During his visit, Clinton sounded a strong note of optimism about the Taiwan Strait. But he also reiterated America's position that the one-China policy protects Taiwan and that if Taiwan chooses the path of independence, China will inevitably resort to force, even if it means falling out with the US. Of this, said Clinton, there is no doubt whatsoever.
訪台期間，柯林頓以上述的樂觀看法界定台海現狀，然而他也再度點出美國理解中的台海現實面，他表示，「一個中國」是在保護台灣，如果台灣走上獨立，中共必將對台動武，即使與美國翻臉也在所不惜，這點他沒有任何懷疑。