    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [December 9, 2003]
    [Pages 1700-1702]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With Premier Wen Jiabao of China and an Exchange With Reporters
    December 9, 2003

        President Bush. Welcome. I will make a statement; the Premier will
    make a statement. We'll answer questions, one from the American side,
    one from the Chinese side, one from the American side, and one from the
    Chinese side.
        Mr. Premier, welcome. We're going to have extensive discussions
    today on a lot of issues. We've just had a very friendly and candid
    discussion. There's no question in my mind that when China and the
    United States works closely together, we can accomplish a lot of very
    important objectives. Our relationship is good and strong, and we are
    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.
        Premier Wen. I'm very grateful towards President Bush and the U.S.
    Government for the kind invitation and warm hospitality.
        Just now, President Bush and I had an indepth exchange of views on
    China-U.S. relationship and on international and regional issues of
    mutual interest. The discussion took place under 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. will not only
    bring benefits for the people of the two countries but also in the
    interest of world peace and stability.
        Thank you.
        President Bush. AP man.

    Taiwan

        Q. Mr. President, George Gedda of AP. Given the sensitivity of the
    issue, do you believe the referendum planned by the Taiwanese on March
    20th should be canceled?

    [[Page 1701]]

        President Bush. Someone needs to interpret that.
        Let me tell you what I've 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.
        Q. Premier Wen, what is the position of the Chinese Government on
    the question of Taiwan?
        Premier Wen. Our fundamental policy on the settlement of the
    question of Taiwan is peaceful reunification and one country, two
    systems. 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 referendum to split Taiwan
    away from China. Such separatist activities are what the Chinese side
    can absolutely not accept and tolerate.
        We also want to say that so long as there is a glimmer of hope, we
    would not give up our efforts for peaceful reunification. 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 referendum of
    various kinds as excuse to pursue Taiwan independence. We appreciate the
    position of the U.S. Government.

        President Bush. Steve [Steve Holland, Reuters].

    North Korea

        Q. Mr. President, thank you. North Korea is saying they will freeze
    their nuclear program if the U.S. takes them off the terrorism list and
    provides fuel aid. Is this a worthwhile idea? And how are you going to
    get the six-party talks going again?

        President Bush. Yes, well, we spent 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 will 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 are
    sending to the North Koreans. And we will continue to work with China
    and the other countries involved to resolve this issue peacefully.

    China-U.S. Relations

        Q. Premier Wen, what's your reading of the status quo and the future
    development of China's economic relationship and trade with the United
    States?

        Premier Wen. 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 U.S. dollars,
    and now the volume has exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars. Our economic
    and trade

    [[Page 1702]]

    links have been conducive to the interest of our two people and two
    countries.
        We have to admit, though, in our economic and trade relationship,
    problems do 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 meeting 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.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:05 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to President Chen Shui-bian of
    Taiwan. Premier Wen spoke in Chinese, and his remarks were translated by
    an interpreter. A tape was not available for verification of the content
    of these remarks.