    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 32 (Monday, August 18, 2008)]
    [Pages 1124-1125]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Premier Wen Jiabao of China in Beijing

    August 10, 2008

        Premier Wen. Mr. President, welcome to Beijing. I also welcome your
    family members and other friends from the United States to the Beijing
    Olympic games.
        I already learned that yesterday you went to see the American
    athletes in Beijing and you also watched a match played by the U.S.
    women's basketball team.
        President Bush.  Right.
        Premier Wen.  You also spent some time with the beach volleyball
    players. [Laughter]
        I think this evening the match between the Chinese men's basketball
    team and the American men's basketball team will captivate the attention
    of people from all over the world.
        President Bush. That's right.
        Premier Wen. I'm very happy that you're going to watch the match.
        President Bush. Yes, sir. I'm going with the Foreign Minister.
    [Laughter] He's going--he told me he's going to be yelling at the top of
    his lungs. [Laughter]
        Thank you for your hospitality. It's been a wonderful experience
    being here. I didn't see if you were at the opening ceremonies.
        Premier Wen. Yes, I was there.
        President Bush. Well, it was fantastic--really well done. But thank
    you.
        Premier Wen. Yes, the opening ceremony is spectacular.
        President Bush. Unbelievable.
        Premier Wen. When the U.S. team marched into the stadium, I saw that
    you put back your coat and your suit and then you stood up and cheered
    for your team.
        President Bush. Yes, sir. I was proud to see them. But I bet you did
    the same thing when the Chinese team came. [Laughter]
        Premier Wen. Yes, yes. I did the same.

    [[Page 1125]]

    Note: The President spoke at 3:15 p.m. in Ziguangge Hall at the
    Zhongnanhai. In his remarks, he referred to Minister of Foreign Affairs
    Yang Jiechi of China. Premier Wen spoke in Chinese, and his remarks were
    translated by an interpreter.