[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 50 (Monday, December 15, 2003)]
[Pages 1776-1777]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony for Premier Wen Jiabao of China

December 9, 2003

    Mr. Premier, members of the delegation, it is my honor to welcome 
you to the White House. Your visit reflects the increasing ties of 
cooperation and commerce between our two nations.
    America and China share many common interests. We are working 
together in the war on terror. We are fighting to defeat a ruthless 
enemy of order and civilization. We are partners in diplomacy working to 
meet the dangers of the 21st century. We are full members of a world 
trading system that rewards enterprise and lifts nations.
    Our two nations seek a Korean Peninsula that is stable and at peace. 
The elimination of North Korea's nuclear programs is essential to this 
outcome. Realizing this vision will require the strong cooperation of 
all North Korea's neighbors. I am grateful for China's leadership in 
hosting the six-party talks which are bringing us closer to a peaceful 
resolution of this issue. And my Government will continue to work with 
China as it plays a constructive role in Asia and in the world.
    The rapid rise of China's economy is one of the great achievements 
of our time. China's increasing prosperity has brought great benefits to 
the Chinese people and to China's trading partners around the world. We 
recognize that if prosperity's power is to reach in every corner of 
China, the Chinese Government must fully integrate into the rules and 
norms of the international trading and finance system.
    China has discovered that economic freedom leads to national wealth. 
The growth of economic freedom in China provides reason to hope that 
social, political, and religious freedoms will grow there as well. In 
the long run, these freedoms are indivisible and essential to national 
greatness and national dignity.
    As our two nations work constructively across areas of common 
interest, we are candid about our disagreements. The growing strength 
and maturity of our relationship allows us to discuss our differences, 
whether over economic issues, Taiwan, Tibet, or human rights and 
religious freedom, in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect.
    China is a great civilization, a great power, and a great nation. 
Premier Wen, when my country looks forward to--my country looks forward 
to working with you as China increasingly takes its place among the 
leading nations of the world.

[[Page 1777]]

    The United States and China have made great progress in building a 
relationship that can address the challenges of our time, encourage 
global prosperity, and advance the cause of peace. It is my hope that 
your visit will further that progress.
    Welcome, and thank you for coming.

Note: The President spoke at 10 a.m. at the South Portico at the White 
House, where Premier Wen was accorded a formal welcome with full 
military honors. The transcript released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary also included the remarks of Premier Wen.