    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [October 19, 2001]
    [Pages 1262-1265]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1262]]

    The President's News Conference With President Jiang Zemin of China in Shanghai, China
    October 19, 2001

        President Jiang. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I've just had
    a very good talk with President Bush. This is our first meeting, and we
    have had an indepth exchange of views and reached a series of consensus
    with respect to such major issues as Sino-U.S. relations,
    counterterrorism, and maintenance of world peace and stability.
        China and the United States are two countries with significant
    influence in the world. As such, we share common responsibility and
    interest in maintaining peace and security in the Asia-Pacific and the
    world at large, promoting regional and global economic growth and
    prosperity, and working together with the rest of the international
    community to combat terrorism.
        China attaches importance to its relations with the United States
    and stands ready to make joint efforts with the U.S. side to develop a
    constructive and cooperative relationship.
        We live in a world of diversity. Given the differences in national
    conditions, it is not surprising that there are certain disagreements
    between China and the United States. I believe that different
    civilizations and social systems ought to have long-term coexistence and
    achieve common development in the spirit of seeking common ground while
    shelving differences.
        The Sino-U.S. relations are currently faced with the important
    opportunities of development. We will conduct high-level strategic
    dialog, advance exchanges in cooperation in economic, trade, energy, and
    other fields, and strengthen consultation and coordination on major
    international and regional issues.
        I'm confident that so long as the two sides keep a firm hold of the
    common interests of the two countries, properly handled, bilateral ties,
    especially the question of Taiwan, in accordance with the three Sino-
    U.S. joint communiques, the relations between China and the United
    States will continuously move forward.
        President Bush. Mr. President, thank you very much. I, too, felt
    like we had a very good meeting. I've come to Shanghai because China and
    other Asia-Pacific nations are important partners in the global
    coalition against terror. I've also come because the economic future of
    my Nation and this region are inseparable. The nations of APEC share the
    same threat, and we share the same hope for greater trade and
    prosperity.
        Thank you so much for hosting this meeting. You and the city of
    Shanghai have done an outstanding job. Mr. President, I visited this
    city 25 years ago--a little over 25 years ago. Then, I could not have
    imagined the dynamic and impressive Shanghai of 2001. It's an impressive
    place, and I know you're proud. It's a tribute to the leadership of the
    current officials of Shanghai, as well as to your leadership as a former
    mayor, Mr. President.
        We have a common understanding of the magnitude of the threat posed
    by international terrorism. All civilized nations must join together to
    defeat this threat. And I believe that the United States and China can
    accomplish a lot when we work together to fight terrorism.
        The President and the Government of China responded immediately to
    the attacks of September 11th. There was no hesitation; there was no
    doubt that they would stand with the United States and our people during
    this terrible time. There is a firm commitment by this Government to
    cooperate in intelligence matters, to help interdict financing of
    terrorist organizations. It is--President Jiang and the Government stand
    side by side with the American people as we fight this evil force.

    [[Page 1263]]

        China is a great power, and America wants a constructive
    relationship with China. We welcome a China that is a full member of
    world community, that is at peace with its neighbors. We welcome and
    support China's accession into the World Trade Organization. We believe
    it's a very important development that will benefit our two peoples and
    the world.
        In the long run, the advance of Chinese prosperity depends on
    China's full integration into the rules and norms of international
    institutions. And in the long run, economic freedom and political
    freedom will go hand in hand.
        We've had a very broad discussion, including the fact that the war
    on terrorism must never be an excuse to persecute minorities. I
    explained my views on Taiwan and preserving regional stability in East
    Asia. I stressed the need to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass
    destruction and missile technology.
        Today's meetings convinced me that we can build on our common
    interests. Two great nations will rarely agree on everything; I
    understand that. But I assured the President that we'll always deal with
    our differences in a spirit of mutual respect. We seek a relationship
    that is candid, constructive, and cooperative.
        I leave my country at a very difficult time. But this meeting is
    important because of the campaign against terror, because of the ties
    between two great nations, because of the opportunity and hope that
    trade provides for both our people.
        I regret, Mr. President, I couldn't accept your invitation to visit
    Beijing, but it will happen at a different time.
        President Jiang. Next time.
        President Bush. That's right. Thank you for your hospitality.

    China-U.S. Relations

        Q. I'm a correspondent from China Central Television. Recently,
    there has been improvement in Sino-U.S. relations. Just now you've had
    your first meeting with President Bush. How would you envisage the
    future growth of the bilateral ties?
        President Jiang. The developments of international situation has,
    time and again, shown that despite our disagreements of this type or
    that, the two countries share extensive common responsibility and
    interest on major issues that bear on the survival and development of
    mankind.
        I'm pleased to note that, recently, there has been improvement in
    our bilateral ties. The two sides have maintained close consultation and
    cooperation on major issue of counterterrorism. We've also made new
    headway in our economic and trade fields in such exchanges and
    cooperation.
        China and the United States are different in their national
    conditions, so it's normal that there are certain disagreements between
    us. So long as both sides respect each other, treat each other with
    sincerity, enhance trust through frequent exchange of views, then the
    disagreements can get addressed properly.
        Just now, in my meeting with President Bush, we once again had an
    extensive and indepth exchange of views on bilateral relations. We also
    reached important consensus. We stand ready to work together with the
    U.S. side to increase our exchanges and cooperation, enhance
    understanding and trust, and develop a constructive and cooperative
    relations between us.
        I'm convinced that so long as the three signed U.S. joint
    communiques and fundamental norms governing international relations are
    adhered to, and so long as the problems between us, especially the
    problem of Taiwan--the question of Taiwan is properly addressed, then
    there will be a bright future of our relationship.

    Response to Terrorism/Anthrax

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, sir, for having us here. Mr.
    President, do you know yet whether there is a definite link between the
    anthrax attacks and any foreign interests, particularly Al Qaida or
    Iraq? And separately, there's a report that

    [[Page 1264]]

    we have special forces in southern Afghanistan now. Can you confirm that
    the ground war has begun?
         And a quick question to our host, sir. Do you support the U.S.
    military action in Afghanistan, which President Bush says could last 1
    or 2 years?
        President Bush. First, I spent some time explaining to the President
    of my determination to bring people to justice that murdered our
    citizens. And I told the President that our Nation will do what it takes
    to bring them to justice, no matter how long it takes. And Ron [Ron
    Fournier, Associated Press], I don't know the time, but I do know the
    desire.
        And secondly, I explained to the President that we will hold people
    accountable who harbor terrorists. And that's exactly what we're doing.
        I will not comment upon military operations. I made it very clear
    from the outset of this campaign that I will not respond to rumors and
    information that seeps into the public consciousness, for fear of
    disrupting the operations that are taking place. But let me reiterate
    what I've told the American people and the world: We will use whatever
    means are necessary to achieve our objective.
        Thirdly, I do not have a direct--I don't have knowledge of a direct
    link of the anthrax incidents to the enemy. But I wouldn't put it past
    them. These are evil people, and the deeds that have been conducted on
    the American people are evil deeds. And anybody who would mail anthrax
    letters, trying to affect the lives of innocent people, is evil. And I
    want to say this as clearly as I can, that anybody in America who will
    use this opportunity to threaten our citizens, will think it's funny as
    a hoax to put out some kind of threat, will be held accountable and will
    be prosecuted.
        Now is the time in America--now is the time--for us to stand up
    against terror and for American citizens to unite against terror. And
    we're looking; we're on the search to find out who's conducting these
    evil acts.
        I'm also pleased that the Government is responding very quickly,
    that people who have been exposed to anthrax are getting the necessary
    treatments. I think it's very important for people of all the world to
    understand that if anthrax--if people are exposed to anthrax, there is a
    treatment for it. And it's very important for all our governments to
    react and respond as quickly as possible to make sure the citizens who
    get exposed receive the necessary antibiotics. And we're doing that in
    America.
        And the American people also have got to understand that we will
    make sure that there is ample supplies, as we deal with this evil act,
    that we'll make sure there's ample supplies available for the American
    people.

    [At this point, President Bush's comments were translated in Chinese.]

        President Bush. Couldn't have said it any better. [Laughter]
        President Jiang. In my discussion with President Bush this morning,
    I've made clear that we are opposed to terrorism of all forms. And what
    we have done in the past has shown this attitude of ours very clearly.
    We hope that antiterrorism efforts can have clearly defined targets. And
    efforts should hit accurately and also avoid innocent casualties. And
    what is more, the role of the United Nations should be brought into full
    play.
        I'd also like to make a comment on anthrax. I've also heard about
    it. And I think with regard to this problem, all countries should take a
    unanimous stand, because it's a public hazard. We should all unite and
    work to prevent it from spreading any further.
        That's the end of the press conference. Thank you.

    Note: The President's news conference began at 11:47 a.m. in the Western
    Suburb

    [[Page 1265]]

    Guest House. President Jiang spoke in Chinese, and his remarks were
    translated by an interpreter.