American Section
Whenever Kissinger's presence with Nixon wasn't required, he would meet with Qiao Guanhua to work out those parts of the final communique that had not been decided in advance, with a particular focus on the semantic aspects of the document. Qiao and Kissinger went over the document line by line, arguing over minute choices of grammar and wording. Early in their discussions, both parties agreed on a highly unconventional format to allow the voicing of the two nations' numerous irreconcilable positions. Both sides in essence agreed to disagree, separately stating their divergent views where required. For example, on the subject of Indochina the United States section of the communique stated the following:
"The peoples of Indochina should be allowed to determine their destiny without outside intervention; our constant primary objective has been a negotiated solution; the eight-point proposal put forward by the Republic of Vietnam and the United States on January 27, 1972 represents a basis for the attainment of that objective; in the absence of a negotiated settlement the United States envisages the ultimate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the region consistent with the aim of self-determination for each country of Indochina. The United States will maintain its close ties with and support for the Republic of Korea; the United States will support efforts of the Republic of Korea to seek a relaxation of tension and increased communication in the Korean peninsula. The United States places the highest value on its friendly relations with Japan; it will continue to develop the existing close bonds. Consistent with the United Nations Security Council Resolution of December 21, 1971, the United States favors the continuation of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the withdrawal of all military forces to within their own territories and to their own sides of the ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir; the United States supports the right of the peoples of South Asia to shape their own future in peace, free of military threat, and without having the area become the subject of great power rivalry."