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CNN Live Event/Special
East Versus West
Aired December 09, 2003 - 11:27 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Videotape shot in the White House. That is the Chinese premier meeting with President Bush.
Let's listen in.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: ... on a lot of issues. We've just had a very friendly and candid discussion. There is no question in my mind that when China and the United States work closely together we can accomplish a lot of very important objectives.
Our relationship is good and strong.
BUSH: And we're 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.
WEN JIABAO, PREMIER OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I'm very grateful toward President Bush and the U.S. government for the kind invitation and the warm hospitality.
Just now, President Bush and I had an in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S. relationship and international and regional issues of mutual interests. The discussion took place under a 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. would not only bring benefits to the people of the two countries, but also in the interest of world peace and stability.
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Thank you.
QUESTION: Given the sensitivity of the issue, do you think that the referendum planned by the Taiwanese on March 20th should be canceled?
BUSH: Let me tell you what I just told the premier on this issue.
The United States government's policy is one China based upon the three communiques 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?
QUESTION: Premier Wen, what is the position of the Chinese government on the question of Taiwan?
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Our fundamental policy on the settlement of the question of Taiwan is peaceful reunification and one country, two systems.
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): 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 (ph) referendum to split Taiwan away from China. Such separatist activities are what the Chinese side can absolutely not accept and tolerate.
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): We also want to say that so long as there is a glimmer of hope we will not give up our efforts for peaceful unification.
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 communiques, 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 referenda of various kinds as excuse to pursue Taiwan independence.
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): We appreciate the position of the U.S. government.
QUESTION: North Korea says they will freeze their nuclear program if the U.S. takes them off the terrorism list (OFF-MIKE) Is this a worthwhile idea? And how are we're going to get the six-party talks going again?
BUSH: Well, we spend 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 want to 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're sending to the North Koreans.
And we will continue to work with China and the other countries involved to resolve this issue peacefully.
QUESTION (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Premier Wen, what's your reading of the status quo and future developments of China's economic relationship and trade with the United States?
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): 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 and now the volume has exceeded $100 billion. Our economic and trade links have been conducive to the interest of our two peoples and two countries.
We have to admit, though, in our economic and trade relationship, problems still 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 meet 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.
BUSH: Thank you, sir.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: And we've been watching videotape that was shot -- just the very end there, inside the Oval Office, as the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, meeting with President Bush, talking about a number of issues, economic issues, also international policy, as the United States finds itself between Taiwan and China.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired December 9, 2003 - 11:27 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Videotape shot in the White House. That is the Chinese premier meeting with President Bush.
Let's listen in.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: ... on a lot of issues. We've just had a very friendly and candid discussion. There is no question in my mind that when China and the United States work closely together we can accomplish a lot of very important objectives.
Our relationship is good and strong.
BUSH: And we're 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.
WEN JIABAO, PREMIER OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I'm very grateful toward President Bush and the U.S. government for the kind invitation and the warm hospitality.
Just now, President Bush and I had an in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S. relationship and international and regional issues of mutual interests. The discussion took place under a 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. would not only bring benefits to the people of the two countries, but also in the interest of world peace and stability.
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Thank you.
QUESTION: Given the sensitivity of the issue, do you think that the referendum planned by the Taiwanese on March 20th should be canceled?
BUSH: Let me tell you what I just told the premier on this issue.
The United States government's policy is one China based upon the three communiques 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?
QUESTION: Premier Wen, what is the position of the Chinese government on the question of Taiwan?
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Our fundamental policy on the settlement of the question of Taiwan is peaceful reunification and one country, two systems.
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): 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 (ph) referendum to split Taiwan away from China. Such separatist activities are what the Chinese side can absolutely not accept and tolerate.
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): We also want to say that so long as there is a glimmer of hope we will not give up our efforts for peaceful unification.
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 communiques, 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 referenda of various kinds as excuse to pursue Taiwan independence.
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): We appreciate the position of the U.S. government.
QUESTION: North Korea says they will freeze their nuclear program if the U.S. takes them off the terrorism list (OFF-MIKE) Is this a worthwhile idea? And how are we're going to get the six-party talks going again?
BUSH: Well, we spend 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 want to 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're sending to the North Koreans.
And we will continue to work with China and the other countries involved to resolve this issue peacefully.
QUESTION (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Premier Wen, what's your reading of the status quo and future developments of China's economic relationship and trade with the United States?
WEN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): 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 and now the volume has exceeded $100 billion. Our economic and trade links have been conducive to the interest of our two peoples and two countries.
We have to admit, though, in our economic and trade relationship, problems still 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 meet 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.
BUSH: Thank you, sir.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: And we've been watching videotape that was shot -- just the very end there, inside the Oval Office, as the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, meeting with President Bush, talking about a number of issues, economic issues, also international policy, as the United States finds itself between Taiwan and China.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
