[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 47 (Monday, November 28, 2005)]
[Pages 1750-1751]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.

[[Page 1751]]

    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, any 
time, 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 7:00 p.m. on November 18 in the Westin 
Chosun Hotel, Busan, South Korea, for broadcast at 11:06 a.m., eastern 
standard time, on November 19, after the President's schedule of 
activities in South Korea for that day had been completed. The 
transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
November 18 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. 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.