For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 9, 2003
President Bush and Premier Wen Jiabao Remarks to the Press
Remarks by President Bush and Premier Wen Jiabao in Photo Opportunity
The Oval Office
11:05 A.M. EST
PRESIDENT BUSH: Welcome. I will make a statement; the Premier
will make a statement. We'll answer questions, one from the American
side, one from the Chinese side, one from the American side, and one
from the Chinese side.
Mr. Premier, welcome. We're going to have extensive discussions
today on a lot of issues. We've just had a very friendly and candid
discussion. There's no question in my mind that when China and the
United States works closely together we can accomplish a lot of very
important objectives.
Our relationship is good and strong, and we are determined to keep
it that way, for the good of our respective peoples, and for the sake
of peace and prosperity in the world.
So, welcome, glad you're here.
PREMIER WEN: I'm very grateful towards President Bush and the
U.S. government for the kind invitation and warm hospitality.
Just now, President Bush and I had an in-depth exchange of views on
China-U.S. relationship, and on international and regional issues of
mutual interest. The discussion took place under very friendly,
candid, cooperative and constructive atmosphere, and we reached
consensus on many issues.
President Bush and I both believe that the further improvement and
growth of the bilateral ties between China and the U.S. will not only
bring benefits for the people of the two countries, but also in the
interest of world peace and stability.
Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: AP man.
Q Mr. President, George Gedda of AP. Given the sensitivity of
the issue, do you believe the referendum planned by the Taiwanese on
March 20th should be cancelled?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Someone needs to interpret that.
Let me tell you what I've just told the Premier on this issue. The
United States government's policy is one China, based upon the three
communiqus and the Taiwan Relations Act. We oppose any unilateral
decision by either China or Taiwan to change the status quo. And the
comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan indicate that he may
be willing to make decisions unilaterally to change the status quo,
which we oppose.
Why don't you call on somebody from your press.
Q Premier Wen, what is the position of the Chinese government
on the question of Taiwan?
PREMIER WEN: Our fundamental policy on the settlement of the
question of Taiwan is peaceful reunification, and one country-two
systems. We would do our utmost with utmost sincerity to bring about
national unity and peaceful reunification through peaceful means.
The Chinese government respects the desire of people in Taiwan for
democracy, but we must point out that the attempts of Taiwan
authorities, headed by Chen Shui-bian, are only using democracy as an
excuse and attempt to resort to defensive referendum to split Taiwan
away from China. Such separatist activities are what the Chinese side
can absolutely not accept and tolerate.
We also want to say that so long as there is a glimmer of hope, we
would not give up our efforts for peaceful reunification. We have
expressed our will and determination to uphold national unity. This is
for the very purpose of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan
Straits. And such stability can only be maintained through unswerving
opposition and firm opposition to pro-independence activities.
On many occasions, and just now in the meeting, as well, President
Bush has reiterated the U.S. commitment to the three Sino-U.S. Joint
Communiqus, the one-China principle, and opposition to Taiwan
independence. We appreciate that. In particular, we very much
appreciate the position adopted by President Bush toward the latest
moves and developments in Taiwan -- that is, the attempt to resort to
referendum of various kinds as excuse to pursue Taiwan independence.
We appreciate the position of the U.S. government.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Steve.
Q Mr. President, thank you. North Korea is saying they will
freeze their nuclear program if the U.S. takes them off the terrorism
list and provides fuel aid. Is this a worthwhile idea? And how are
you going to get the six-party talks going again?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Yes, well, we spent a lot of time talking about
North Korea here. We share a mutual goal, and that is for the Korean
Peninsula to be nuclear weapons-free. I thank the Premier for China
starting the six-party talks, and I will continue those talks. I think
they're very important.
The goal of the United States is not for a freeze of the nuclear
program; the goal is to dismantle a nuclear weapons program in a
verifiable and irreversible way. And that is a clear message that we
are sending to the North Koreans. And we will continue to work with
China and the other countries involved to resolve this issue
peacefully.
Q Premier Wen, what's your reading of the status quo and the
future development of China's economic relationship and trade with the
United States?
PREMIER WEN: The expansion of China's economic cooperation and
trade with the United States, as we see today, has not come by easily.
Just imagine, 25 years ago, our trade was less than 2.5 billion U.S.
dollars. And now the volume has exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars.
Our economic and trade links have been conducive to the interest of our
two people and two countries.
We have to admit, though, in our economic and trade relationship
problems do exist -- and mainly, the U.S. trade deficit with China.
The Chinese government takes this problem seriously and has taken
measures to improve the situation. Soon, in a few minutes, we will
have a large group meeting with the U.S. side, and in that setting, I
would make one proposal, and I will also share with President Bush five
principles we think that should guide the development of economic
cooperation and trade between China and the U.S.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, sir. Thank you.
END 11:19 A.M. EST
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