    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 36 (Monday, September 10, 2007)]
    [Page 1181]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following a Meeting With President Hu Jintao of China in Sydney

    September 6, 2007

        President Bush. The President and I just concluded a very
    constructive meeting. It was constructive because, one, we had a lot to
    talk about--a lot of interests that we want to work together on--and
    also because he's an easy man to talk to. I'm very comfortable in my
    discussions with President Hu.
        We talked about Iran and North Korea and Sudan. We talked about
    climate change and our desire to work together on climate change. We
    talked about our economic relations and our trade. And the President was
    quite articulate about product safety, and I appreciated his comments.
    We also talked about currency and exchange rates. And finally, I had a
    chance to share once again with the President my belief in religious
    freedom and religious liberty.
        It was a constructive and cordial conversation. And once again, he
    extended an invitation to me and Laura and our family to come to the
    Olympics. And of course, I was anxious to accept.
        So thank you, Mr. President.
        President Hu. President Bush and I had a meeting in a candid and
    friendly atmosphere. We reviewed the new progress made in China-U.S.
    relations in the past few months. We discussed a number of issues in our
    bilateral relations. We both expressed a desire to work for further
    development and growth of the business and commercial sides between our
    two countries through dialog and consultations.
        We also talked about climate change. We believe that the issue of
    climate change bears on the welfare of the whole humanity and
    sustainable development of the whole world. And this issue should be
    appropriately tackled through stronger international cooperation.
        I also briefed the--President Bush on the latest developments in the
    situation across the Taiwan Straits. President Bush also explicitly
    stated the U.S. position, consistent U.S. position of opposing any
    changes to the status quo. We also discussed issues like the nuclear
    issue on the Korean Peninsula, the Iranian nuclear issue, and Sudan--
    Darfur.
        All in all, our talks have been sincere and cordial. I am committed
    to working together with President Bush to further advance our
    constructive and cooperative relations.
        President Bush. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:27 p.m. at the InterContinental Sydney.
    President Hu spoke in Chinese, and his remarks were translated by an
    interpreter.