President Jiang Zemin held Talks with U.S. President George W. Bush (10/19/2001)

2004-06-12 15:14

On the morning of October 19, President Jiang Zemin held talks with U.S. President George W. Bush in Shanghai.

This was the first meeting between the two heads of state. The two presidents had an in-depth exchange of views on Sino-U.S. relations, anti-terrorism, maintenance of world peace and stability and other major issues. The talks were constructive and fruitful.

Bush said that he has been expecting the visit so that he can have face-to-face talks with President Jiang. Bush said that the United States attaches great importance to the relationship with China. China is a great nation and is not an enemy of the United States. He regards China as a friend of the United States. The United States has been working for developing constructive relations of cooperation with China. While differences may exist between the U.S. and China, the two countries will deal with the differences in the spirit of mutual respect and frankness.

Bush said that he has been strongly supporting China’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). Bush extended his congratulations on China’s imminent entry into the WTO. He said the move will be favorable to both China and the United States. He also expressed congratulations on China’s successful bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

Bush thanked China for its quick response to the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11 and its clear and firm support of the U.S. people in fighting terrorism as well as China’s cooperation in this regard.

Jiang said that China attaches great importance to the Sino-U.S. relations and has always held that China and the U.S. should develop a constructive relationship of cooperation. To this end, a high-level strategic dialogue mechanism may be established between the two sides, through which the two leaders, directly or via envoys, exchange views on major issues of common concern, and communicate in a timely fashion.

Jiang said that we live in a world of diversity and different views may exist between China and the United States. But it’s necessary for the two countries to pursue long-term co-existence. The two countries should seek common grounds while putting aside differences, and keep on expanding their common aspects. History has proved that our relations will be able to move forward as long as we adopt this approach.

Jiang said that the Taiwan question has always been the most sensitive issue in the Sino-U.S. relations. China’s basic policy on resolving the issue has always been “peaceful reunification” and “One country, Two systems”. We hope that the United States adheres to the one-China principle and abides by the three Sino-US joint communiqués.

Bush said that he takes the opportunity of coming to China this time to reaffirm that the U.S. government pursues the one-China policy and adheres to the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués.

Jiang said China has registered great progress since its reform and opening up. Shanghai is a vivid epitome of China's development. China attaches great importance to trade and economic cooperation with the United States, and its recent purchase of 30 Boeing airplanes demonstrates the broad prospect for Sino-U.S. trade and economic cooperation.

On the anti-terrorism issue, Jiang said China is always opposed to all forms of terrorism and supports the fight against terrorism. The more accurate the strike against terrorists, the more effective the strike. The fight against terrorism should avoid harming innocent people. A medium- and long-term mechanism for anti-terrorism cooperation may be established between China and the United States.

The two sides also exchanged views on major international issues of mutual concern.