    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [October 16, 2001]
    [Pages 1246-1252]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Interview With Asian Editors
    October 16, 2001

        The President. Well, thank you for coming. First, let me give some
    introductory remarks.
        First, I'm looking forward to my trip. I leave tomorrow morning. I
    leave with great anticipation of a very positive trip. First, I'm
    looking forward to going to Shanghai. I went there in 1975, when I
    visited my dad. And I understand it's a city transformed; it's a changed
    city. I look forward to seeing the changed city. It's going to be a very
    interesting experience.
        Secondly, I'm looking forward to meeting with world leaders, leaders
    from China, my first experience.
        I'm looking forward to seeing my friend the Prime Minister
    Koizumi again. I've had two or three
    meetings--three meetings with him, and we've got a very good
    relationship.
        Finally, I'm looking forward to meeting with your leader as well,
    Kim Dae-jung. He was right here in the Oval
    Office the last time I saw him. I'm looking forward to a second meeting.
    We've got a lot to discuss.
        So on the one hand, we'll have our joint meetings, and then we'll
    have the bilateral meetings. The joint meetings are important; the
    bilateral meetings are very important. And I'm really looking forward to
    it.
        Obviously, I leave at a very difficult time in my country, because
    of these terrorist attacks, the recent anthrax that has made it in the
    news. On the other hand, I think it is very important for me to go, to
    not only discuss our economic interests and our

    [[Page 1247]]

    bilateral interests but to continue to talk about the war on terrorists,
    terrorism. And it's also important for my Nation to see that I leave
    because of--that international affairs are still a very important part
    of making the world more safe.
        I'll be glad to answer questions.

    APEC Summit

        Q. Mr. President, you are going to Shanghai for the APEC Summit.
    Could you tell me your opinion about the summit, and what's your
    expectation?
        The President. Sure. I expect to have a very frank dialog with Jiang
    Zemin about--and I will tell him how important it
    is for the United States and China to have good relations. And I look
    forward to having an honest discussion with other world leaders about a
    variety of issues.
        Obviously, the Korean Peninsula, we'll talk about the relationship
    between South and North Korea. As far as Japan goes, we'll talk about
    our national defense relations, as well as the Japanese economy, and
    Koizumi will want to know about our
    economy as well. And also, with all three leaders we'll be talking about
    trade and the need to fight against international terrorism.
        So my expectations are very solid, that this will be a very good and
    a very important meeting.
        Q. Second question?
        The President. We'll go around; everybody will get to ask.

    Upcoming Discussions With President Jiang Zemin
    of China

        Q. Mr. President, you are going to meet our President, Mr. Jiang
    Zemin. What's the priority topic you're going to discuss?
        The President. I think the first priority is, of course, for Jiang
    Zemin to look me in the eye, take the measure of the American President.
    We've only spoken over the phone. We haven't had a chance to meet. So
    it's to establish a personal relationship.
        I will have met most of the leaders at APEC. I will have not met
    Jiang Zemin. I look forward to meeting him, so he can see that I'm a
    sincere person when I say that I want to have good relations, that I
    understand there will be moments where we agree and moments where we
    disagree, but we'll work to have good relations.
        As you recall, we had a start that tested our relationship, and that
    was over the EP-3 incident. Yet, we were very calm. Both sides were
    calm; both sides gathered the facts; and both sides worked to resolve an
    incident which could have been a difficult incident. But it wasn't. It
    turned out to be a much more peaceful resolution than a lot of people in
    the world thought was possible.
        It was very interesting to get reactions from other world leaders
    during that incident, because they didn't know me. They weren't sure how
    we'd react, and they weren't sure how the chemistry would be between our
    two governments. And I think we showed the world that we can work things
    together. And that's going to be very important.
        Trade is going to be very important for us to discuss, too. I think
    it's going to be very important for us to talk about proliferation. I
    think it's going to be very important for us to talk about human rights.
    There's a wide range of issues that we can discuss. But I know we'll
    discuss them in the spirit of a desire to have good, close relations.
    China is a very important country, and I understand how important it is.
        Q. Mr. President, I have three questions.
        The President. Okay. Each person gets three questions, so you can
    think of another one.

    Japan's Role in the War on Terrorism

        Q. Beyond the economic and financial contribution, what kind of role
    do you think Japan can play in fighting the war against terrorists?
        The President. Well, first of all, as you know, the Prime
    Minister has talked about possibly
    participating with some defense forces, not combat forces but defense

    [[Page 1248]]

    forces. We're more than open-minded to talk about a way for Japan to
    contribute.
        But I want to remind you that you should not discount the importance
    of disrupting the financial networks of the terrorists. If we starve
    them of money, that's just as effective as conventional armament. And
    also we need to share intelligence; all three countries need to share
    intelligence back and forth. If we hear or see there is a threat on
    Japan or China or South Korea, we will share that information so that
    each of us can protect our own homeland. It's a different kind of war
    we're fighting.
        So the contributions can be varied and different. And each nation
    represented here will contribute in different ways. And I recognize
    that, and we're not going to ask nations to contribute in ways that
    their people won't understand or accept. So there are going to be some
    nations that will contribute in this area and won't be able to help
    here. But that's okay, just so long as we're all focused on the goal of
    ridding the world of terrorism. And we must make that decision now.
        And that's what I look forward to telling all the three world
    leaders. I want them to see how determined I am to succeed, and that I'm
    patient and resolved and will not yield until we send a clear signal to
    terrorists: There will be a consequence, and if you harbor a terrorist
    as a nation, you will be held accountable. And that's just as important,
    and I think all three leaders understand that. I know the Prime
    Minister of Japan does.

    Japan and the International Economy

        Q. The second question, Mr. President, what would you like Japan to
    do for revitalizing the world economy after the terrorist attacks?
        The President. Well, I think what Japan needs to do is what Prime
    Minister Koizumi campaigned on, and that
    is to push for significant economic reform, significant restructuring to
    work on bad loans and bad assets, to get them off the books, so to
    speak.
        I felt like the Prime Minister and I,
    in our discussions about the internal situation in Japan, understood
    each other well. And I have always urged him at every conversation to be
    as bold and as strong as he can, because it's very important for the
    world that the Japanese economy be strong and recover.
        Now, we have to do some things in our own country. We have been
    severely affected by the economic--by the attacks, and therefore, we
    need an economic revitalization plan. And we've taken some steps. We've
    spent money to help New York recover. We've spent money, obviously, to
    help our defenses. We've spent money to help our airline industry, which
    has been badly affected. I think we need to cut taxes again. We cut
    taxes in the summer. I want to cut taxes again to offset the spending to
    create a stimulus.
        Finally, however--and this is going to be an important part of the
    meeting--we must confirm our mutual desire to have the world trade more
    freely. It is important for all our economies that we trade freely, that
    markets be open. Listen, I understand there are some issues involved
    with opening markets, but we've got to work toward an ideal of more open
    markets.
        Last question.

    Japan and the Future of Afghanistan

        Q. The third question, Mr. President, what kind of a contribution do
    you expect Japan to make to stabilizing future government problem in
    Afghanistan?
        The President. Well, let me say that the last time the Prime
    Minister was here, he told me that the
    Japanese had dedicated $40 million to relief in Afghanistan. And I
    praised him here, in front of the American press corps, for that
    generous contribution.
        I think that goes to show that Prime Minister Koizumi understands there is an international role
    for a stable Afghanistan.

    [[Page 1249]]

    I understand that we need to worry about what Afghanistan looks like and
    that we must restore a sense of stability in that country and take care
    of the poor people that have been victimized by the Taliban regime.
        On the other hand, I want to assure everybody my focus is on
    achieving the objective, which is bringing the Al Qaida organization
    hiding in Afghanistan to justice and holding the Government that harbors
    them accountable as well.
        But I appreciate Japan's role. I appreciate the Prime
    Minister's understanding of the need not
    only to provide short-term relief, like we are as well, but also to be a
    part of a longer term solution in Afghanistan. He understands that, and
    for that, I'm grateful.
        Last question for here, and then you get three. You were probably
    wondering whether I knew you were even sitting there, but I knew.

    China-U.S. Relations

        Q. My last question. The Chinese readers of my paper most want to
    know, what's your idea for the development in the bilateral relationship
    between China and the U.S.A.?
        The President. Well, first, the most important thing about a
    relationship between our two nations is for the two leaders to get to
    know each other as people, as individuals. I want to be able to hear
    from your leader, the leader of China, what's on
    his mind. I'll be able to tell more about this leader when I see him and
    hear him, and he'll be able to tell more from me, about me, by listening
    to me.
        Secondly, I think it's very important for us to continue to foster
    good trading relations. Trade is mutually beneficial to our nations. I
    argued strongly during the campaign and since I've been President that
    China should ascend to WTO----
        Q. Thank you.
        The President. ----because that is a very important part of
    encouraging China to have market-oriented growth. But at the same time,
    it's in our nations' interests. I was most pleased with the progress
    we've made about China accepting U.S. farm products as part of the WTO
    process. It was a very important breakthrough. I think it's going to be
    very important for us to discuss areas not only where we agree but areas
    where we don't agree.
        But one place where we do agree--and it's important for your readers
    to know--is I support a ``one China'' policy. And I also expect there to
    be a peaceful reconciliation of the differences. And I look forward to
    reaffirming that with Jiang Zemin.
        We need to talk about a variety of issues, which we will. And I'm
    confident we can have a very constructive relationship. It starts with
    the desire to have a constructive relationship, and my desire is to have
    a constructive relationship.

    Korean Peninsula Security

        Q. As the war on the terrorism goes on, one of the utmost important
    issue for the Korean people should be the security of Korean Peninsula.
        The President. Yes.
        Q. If the war prolongs, as you have expected, 1 or 2 years, and
    North Korea sometime in the future change their reconciliatory stance
    and become hostile again and if there occurs some kind of conflict in
    the Korean Peninsula, how would you respond to that?
        The President. We will fulfill our obligations to the South Korean
    people and to our pact with South Korea. North Korea should not in any
    way, shape, or form think that because we happen to be engaged in
    Afghanistan, we will not be prepared and ready to fulfill our end of our
    agreement with the South Korean Government. They should not use this as
    an opportunity to threaten our close friend and ally South Korea.
        Not only will we have troops there and have them there, we will be
    prepared to

    [[Page 1250]]

    defend and stand side by side with our long-time friend the South Korean
    people.

    Chairman Kim Chong-il of North Korea

        Q. Thank you. And the second question is, South Korea-North Korea
    talks have been stalled after the inauguration of your administration,
    virtually. And North Korean leader Kim Chong-il has not returned his
    visit, which he has agreed last year. And earlier this month, North
    Korea has canceled the plan, agreed plan to exchange to separate
    families. And things are a little bit changing right now. About all
    these, there are some Korean people blame it, in part, to your
    administration North Korean policy. Do you have any comment on that? And
    I wonder if you have any message concerning about Kim Chong-il?
        The President. I've got a message to Kim Chong-il: Fulfill your end
    of the bargain. You said you would meet. Meet.
        No one in the United States is stopping him from doing this. This is
    a decision he made. He can blame it on who he wants, but he ought to
    fulfill his end of the agreement.
        And secondly, I want to remind your readers that we offered to meet
    with Kim Chong-il. In June of this year we said, ``At a time of your
    choosing, we'll be glad to send a representative to meet with you to
    discuss a variety of issues.'' And yet, he chooses not to meet with us,
    either. He won't meet with you; he won't meet with us, which kind of
    leads me to believe that perhaps he doesn't want to meet. So he can
    blame it on who he wants, but it's up to him to make that decision.
        Secondly, I think that he needs to earn the trust of the world. I
    think he needs to take pressure off of South Korea and off of DMZ. I
    think he needs to say--send a signal, clearest message, that he's for
    peace, not for war. And he can do that very easily by removing
    conventional forces back. That's very simple to do. I know he needs to
    stop spreading weapons of mass destruction around the world. And I look
    forward to--my Government looks forward to explaining that to him, in no
    uncertain terms.
        In the meantime, we have great sympathy for the North Korean people.
    Anywhere there is starvation, Americans, like other nations, worry about
    what causes the starvation. How can people starve in a world where there
    is food? So my heart breaks when I hear the stories of North Korean
    families not being able to feed their children--children are children,
    regardless of who their leaders are--and I'm sad about that.
        I want to applaud Kim Dae-jung for his
    leadership in instituting the Sunshine Policy. As I said right here in
    the Oval Office, I support the Sunshine Policy. I think it makes sense.
    I think the more interchange there is, the more likely it is there will
    be peace. And after all, we're for peace.
        By the way, I fully understand how this issue affects the other
    nations of the Far East as well. And so we want to have discussions with
    Kim Chong-il. We've made the offer to have discussions with Kim Chong-
    il. But he refuses to talk. And I'm always--which makes me wonder, why?
    Why would he not want to talk? What is it about this man who refuses
    to--not only to talk with us but to fulfill an agreement he made with
    your Government?

    U.S. Military Presence on the Korean Peninsula/Reunification

        Q. Actually, I'd like to have two questions, if you allow me, Mr.
    President.
        The President. Okay.
        Q. I'd like to hear your opinion on the reunification of Korean
    Peninsula. And what kind of role the United States can do after the
    reunification? And the status of the American military forces?
        The President. Sure. Let me start with that. The last one's easy.
    We'll have a military presence on the Peninsula. We think it's important
    for providing stability, not only on the Korean Peninsula but throughout
    that part of the Far East, and I think

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    most governments recognize that. And so we'll keep a presence there, and
    I don't have any intention of diminishing our presence. As a matter of
    fact, I think the United States plays a very unique role of providing
    assurance and providing stability, and we'll continue that role.
        Secondly, our role--what do I think about the chances for
    reunification? You know, it's hard for me to tell. I would say that I
    am--I believe that anything is possible. However, if a leader refuses to
    meet to discuss reunification, it's going to be hard to achieve. It
    takes two parties, two willing parties, who make the commitment to
    proceed forward.
        I know the leader of South Korea has made
    that commitment. It's easy to see when you talk to him. He's got this
    firm, fervent belief that better relations with North Korea leading to
    talks about different types of reunifications, starting with families,
    is very important. I mean, you can--there's no question in his mind and
    no question in my mind, having talked to him, about his strong belief.
    But I fully recognize it takes two leaders to share the same vision and
    the same hopes. And it's apparent that Kim Chong-il doesn't share the same vision; otherwise, talks would be
    ongoing.
        You see, I believe in the art of the possible. I believe if leaders
    want something to happen and they're willing to work to make it happen,
    it can happen. But it requires will and drive and perseverance and
    persistence. And I don't see that from one part of the--one side of the
    equation. I do see it from Kim Dae-jung,
    however.
        Thirdly, about our role. Well, first of all, we believe that any
    kind of discussions and talks between South Korea and North Korea will
    make the Peninsula more peaceful. Dialog is important, particularly the
    human-to-human exchange, that sometimes people are ahead of their
    governments--you know, the will of the people gets out ahead of a
    government, and that in itself--and I think most people are peaceful
    people. I think most people want there to be peace.
        The timetable of such a reunification is obviously up in air, since
    there's no discussions. But we'd be willing to help. We want to help our
    friend. If this is what our friend and ally South Korea thinks is
    important, we will help. We will help do so.
        Listen, I am interested in--again, I repeat something I said before:
    I want our Government to help starving people. On the other hand, I
    don't want to send aid to a government that doesn't help its people.
    It's one thing to help the people; it's another thing to send the aid,
    and then the government doesn't help the people.
        And so I must tell you that I've been disappointed in Kim Chong-
    il not rising to the occasion, being so
    suspicious, so secretive. I believe he must lead his nation into the
    modern era, starting with making sure his people are fed and well
    treated, and working with his neighbor. He ought to assume the
    responsibility of a good leader and do that.
        But there's time, and we'll see. I look forward to talking to Kim
    Dae-jung this issue. I know he'll bring it up.
    It's on his mind. He's a believer, as we say. He's passionate about the
    subject. And I appreciate that passion very much. I think--I like
    passionate people. I like people who believe in a cause and are willing
    to lead.
        And I'm looking--as you can tell, this is a part of the world that
    I've thought a lot about. It's a very important part of the world. It's
    significant because not only of the histories and traditions, but the
    future is so strong in all three countries present here. We've got great
    futures. And we want to be friends, and we want to be a part of the
    futures, working together. And I'm confident we can.
        Q. Because of the belief President Kim Dae-jung has, a politically
    difficult time right now.
        The President. Let me tell you, in life, you've just got to do what
    you think is right. That's what a leader does. Leaders

    [[Page 1252]]

    take a position not because of some poll or focus group; they should
    take a position on what they think is right and suffer the consequences.
    That's what a good leader does.
        Abraham Lincoln is on the wall here. He took a position in what he
    thought was right and stuck by it. He was severely criticized. They made
    fun of him, the press did. They treated him--they accused him of not
    being able to put sentences together sometimes. Sounds familiar.
    [Laughter] But he turned out to be a great President, because he did
    what he thought was right.
        Winston Churchill, he did what he thought was right. George
    Washington--you notice I don't have people in this office who tried to
    figure out what was right. You either know what you think is right or
    not what you think is right. And so I admire a person for taking a
    stand. Sometimes the people like it, and sometimes they don't. But at
    least by taking a stand you believe in, you'll be able to live with
    yourself, which ultimately, to me, that's what's most important for a
    leader, to be able to be comfortable about who you see in the mirror
    when you wake up in the morning.
        Look, I understand the political consequences of making tough
    decisions. You mark my words, people are going to get tired of the war
    on terrorism. And by the way, it may take more than 2 years. There's a
    variety of theaters. So long as anybody's terrorizing established
    governments, there needs to be a war. And so I've asked--you said 1 or 2
    years. I envision something taking longer than that.
        Now, maybe the Afghan theater will be shorter than that or that
    length. Who knows? But we're patient. But some people are going to start
    to say, ``We're tired, but President Bush keeps going on.'' And when
    that happens, I want you to know, I will be doing it because I think
    it's the right thing to do. That's what I'm supposed to do.
        So that's a long answer to a very important question, the most
    fundamental question of all.
        Thank you all for coming. I'm looking forward to my trip.

    Note: The interview was taped at 1:47 p.m. in the Oval Office at the
    White House, and the transcript was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on October 17. In his remarks, the President referred to Prime
    Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan and President Kim Dae-jung of South
    Korea. The following journalists participated: Junichi Hayakawa, Yomiuri
    Shimbun, Japan; Yujun Ren, People's Daily, China; and Ki-sop Shin,
    Yonhap, South Korea. A tape was not available for verification of the
    content of this interview.