[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
[November 19, 2005]
[Pages 1745-1746]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



The President's Radio Address
November 19, 2005

    Good morning. I am currently traveling in Asia on a trip to Japan, 
South Korea, China, and Mongolia. I'm visiting with friends and allies 
in the region to discuss issues vital to the future of all Americans.
    One important issue for American workers, entrepreneurs, businesses, 
and farmers is to access foreign markets for our goods, services, and 
farm products. At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in South 
Korea, we have advanced America's case for free and fair trade.
    The leaders of the 20 other Asian-Pacific member economies join the 
United States in a strong statement aimed at moving forward the Doha 
round of negotiations at the World Trade Organization. By pushing for a 
successful conclusion to the trade talks, Asian-Pacific leaders are 
working with us toward the goal of a freer and fairer global trading 
system, which will benefit America and other nations around the world.
    I'm also raising the issue of free and fair trade and open markets 
in my one-on-one meetings with other leaders. In my discussions with 
Prime Minister Koizumi of Japan, I urged 
him to lift his nation's ban on American beef. The Prime Minister 
assured me that we are making good progress on this issue. Japan's Food 
Safety Commission has ruled that beef from young American cattle is 
safe. I expect that the Japanese Government will follow through on

[[Page 1746]]

the recommendations of the commission so that America's beef industry 
and cattlemen will have access to a market that has been closed to them 
for almost 2 years.
    I will also raise important trade issues on Sunday during my meeting 
in Beijing with President Hu of China. Access to 
American markets has played an important role in China's economic 
development. And China needs to provide a level playing field for 
American farmers and businesses seeking access to China's market. The 
United States supported China's membership in the World Trade 
Organization because we believe that the cause of free and fair trade is 
advanced if China plays by the same global rules as everyone else.
    When I met with President Hu in New York 
earlier this year, he said that China would bring more balance to our 
trade and protect intellectual property rights. I welcomed those 
commitments, just as I welcomed China's announcement in July that it 
would implement a flexible market-based exchange system for its 
currency. These statements are a good beginning, but China needs to take 
action to ensure these goals are fully implemented.
    The textile agreement our two nations recently reached shows that 
with hard work and determination, we can come together to resolve 
difficult trading issues. The agreement adds certainty and 
predictability for businesses in both America and China. I look forward 
to frank discussions on Sunday with President Hu 
about our need to find solutions to our trade differences with China.
    America is drawn by trade and values and history to be part of 
Asia's future. The extraordinary economic growth of the Asia-Pacific 
region has delivered prosperity to millions of people, and it has 
created many new opportunities for American workers, farmers, and 
businesses. America is a nation founded on the idea of open exchange. 
And we know that free and fair trade benefits all sides.
    We also know that American workers can compete with anybody, 
anytime, anywhere when the rules are fair. By opening new markets, we 
will create more good jobs in America. By ensuring fair access for 
American goods and services and securing intellectual property rights, 
we will level the playing field for our workers, farmers, and 
businesses. And by working for free and fair trade, we will help deliver 
a better life for all Americans and advance the cause of peace and 
prosperity in the world.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 7 p.m. on November 18 in the Westin 
Chosun Hotel, Busan, South Korea, for broadcast at 11:06 a.m., e.s.t., 
on November 19. The transcript was made available by the Office of the 
Press Secretary on November 18 but was embargoed for release until the 
broadcast. Due to the 13-hour time difference, the radio address was 
broadcast after the President's remarks in Osan, South Korea. In his 
address, the President referred to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of 
Japan; and President Hu Jintao of China. The Office of the Press 
Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address.