    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 14, 2003]
    [Pages 1340-1342]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Interview With Malcolm Brown of Singapore's
    Channel NewsAsia
    October 14, 2003

    Singapore's Role in the War on Terror

        Mr. Brown. Talking about your trip specifically to Singapore, how
    happy are you with the measures that Singapore has taken,

    specifically regarding terrorism? And what are your concerns about the
    residual threat in the region?

    [[Page 1341]]

        The President. First, I'm very happy with the Government of
    Singapore's response to terrorism. They are strong, and they are
    resolute. They understand the task at hand, and they understand the
    dangers. Prime Minister Goh and I have had some
    great conversations about the region. He is a very knowledgeable man. He
    keeps me abreast of his views of different players in the region and
    what's going on.
        Of course we're concerned about terrorism in the region, because,
    after all, there's been attacks in the region. I remind our own citizens
    here that we're still focused on September the 11th as kind of the
    defining terrorist moment, but there have been a lot of attacks. And the
    Bali bombing is a classic example of the terrorist activities, and that
    happens to come in Southeast Asia. The Prime Minister and the Government are concerned, obviously, about those
    kind of attacks. We'll have a good discussion about it. He's got a lot
    to offer, a lot of advice to offer, a lot of wisdom, and I listen to it.

    Role of APEC Partners in Iraq

        Mr. Brown. Mr. President, have your APEC partners done enough to
    help the United States in Iraq?
        The President. In Iraq? Well, we can always use more. And as a
    matter of fact, the Japanese are going to make an announcement. We're
    out there working hard to convince others to participate in the
    reconstruction effort in Iraq. It's in their interests that Iraq be free
    and peaceful. And the reason it is, is because the region needs
    democracy. The region needs an example of what can happen in a peaceful
    society. The region needs something alternative to a type of society
    which breeds terrorism. I firmly believe that Iraq will emerge to be
    that example and that leader.

    North Korea and Iraq

        Mr. Brown. Clearly, the region is also concerned about North Korea.
        The President. Yes.
        Mr. Brown. You've described Saddam Hussein as a madman and a danger,
    and he was deposed by force. You've also said that you loathe Kim Chong-
    il, and he has a known nuclear program. Why this disparity?
        The President. Because, first of all, remember in Iraq, we spent 11
    years' or so worth of resolutions and discussions and diplomacy trying
    to convince Saddam Hussein to disarm. He
    chose not to. I believe we can solve the issue on the North Korean--with
    the North Korean issue on the Korean Peninsula peacefully.
        As a matter of fact, we're making great strides toward that. You
    might remember, up until recent history, the whole issue is the United
    States and North Korea. And the Government signed an agreement with
    North Korea, and they didn't tell the truth. So I've decided to come
    with a new strategy, and that is, rather than just the United States
    being the interlocutor with North Korea, we convince others in the
    neighborhood, like the Chinese and the Russians and the Japanese and the
    South Koreans. And we're moving along. This will be a major part of our
    discussions in APEC, to keep this group together, to speak with one
    voice, and that is, to Kim Chong-il, ``Get rid
    of your nuclear ambitions. No nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.''
    It's in all our interests we do so.
        And we're making progress. Now he's hearing at least five voices,
    not just one. And I believe this can be solved peacefully. Force is the
    last resort for the United States, not the first resort. It's the last
    option, and I'm very hopeful that we can make good progress on this
    issue.

    China's Space Program

        Mr. Brown. On China, how do you see their space program? Is it a
    threat to the U.S.?
        The President. No, it's an interesting development. I don't
    necessarily see it as a

    [[Page 1342]]

    threat. I think it's a country that's now beginning to emerge as a
    sophisticated country, and it's got great potential. And I think it's
    interesting. I hope that they are able to make discoveries in space,
    like we did, that will--the technology that will come out of that will
    help mankind. No, I don't view it as a threat.

    New Zealand-U.S. Relations

        Mr. Brown. Finally, on a regional trade issue, with New Zealand,
    you'll meet Prime Minister Helen Clark on the
    sidelines, I understand, at APEC. Why does Australia have negotiations
    on a FTA [free trade agreement], and New Zealand doesn't? Is it to do
    with their nuclear policy?
        The President. No, not really. I mean, we haven't gotten started
    with New Zealand. The nuclear policy, obviously, makes it difficult for
    us to have a military alliance, but we're friends with the New Zealands.
    We respect the New Zealand people. But Australia is farther along the
    road when it comes to trade discussions. Prime Minister Howard and I discussed trade at my ranch in Crawford. We hope
    to get it done by the end of this year. The people of New Zealand
    shouldn't read anything into it other than, we just haven't gotten
    started. And I respect the people of New Zealand. I respect that great
    country.
        Mr. Brown. I'm going to have to call it a day. That's all.
        The President. I think you did a fine job.

    Note: The interview was taped at 3:30 p.m. in the Library at the White
    House, and the transcript was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on October 18. In his remarks, the President referred to Prime
    Minister Goh Chok Tong of Singapore; former President Saddam Hussein of
    Iraq; Chairman Kim Chong-il of North Korea; and Prime Minister John
    Howard of Australia. Mr. Brown referred to Prime Minister Helen Clark of
    New Zealand. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    this interview.