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Remarks
by President Bush and Premier Wen Jiabao in Photo Opportunity
The
Oval Office, December 9, 2003
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
set 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.
..........
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
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 ith 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 conomic 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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