To my Chinese friends,

As many of you know, I recently engaged in behavior which was regrettable and not what people have come to expect from me.

The past few days have been tough for me, but I've received support and encouragement online from so many Chinese friends.

I will learn from these mistakes, train hard, and make you proud again.

To the young people of China, please learn a lesson from this. Be positive in life, and do the right things.

I've had so many great experiences in China over the past few years, and have enjoyed learning about your culture and your history.

But it's the warmth and forgiveness in the messages I've received from China that has really lifted me up over the past few days.

Thanks again for your support and encouragement. I look forward to returning to China soon.

(CCTV February 12, 2009)