ID :
15637
Tue, 08/12/2008 - 14:50
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/15637
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Bush asks future Prez to maintain understanding with China
Washington, Aug 12 (PTI) - US President George W Bush has asked his successors in the White House to ensure that America remains engaged with China, despite "some disagreements" with the communist giant.
"It's really important for future Presidents to understand the relationship with China and the region."
".. in the long run, America better remain engaged with China and understand that we can have a cooperative and constructive, yet candid relationship even though we may have some disagreements," Bush told the NBC Sports Sunday.
Bush, who is at the fag-end of his Presidency, brushed off the notion that American interests are irreconcilable with that of China and clarified that he does not need a sporting event like the Olympics to advance the interests of Washington.
"Oh! Absolutely. You have to understand something. I don't need the Olympics to advance America's agenda. I have met with Hu Jintao a lot since I have been the president.
"And listen, we agree with him on a lot of things and also disagree with him. And that's the way the relationship is going to be. It needs to be, as I mentioned, constructive and cooperative," Bush said.
On being asked how much leverage and influence the United States has on China within the framework of America's "growing" problems, the President said, "I don't see America having problems. I see America as a world leader, that has got great values."
"And leverage...I don't think you should look at the relationship as one of leverage. I think you ought to look at the relationship as one of constructive engagement," he added.
You can find common areas like North Korea and Iran but also be in a position where they respect you enough to listen to your views on religious freedom and political liberty," Bush replied.
Speaking about his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Bush said that a broad range of issues were discussed including human rights, press freedom, Tibet, North Korea and Iran along with Beijing's support of "rogue regimes" like Sudan and Myanmar. PTI SK
"It's really important for future Presidents to understand the relationship with China and the region."
".. in the long run, America better remain engaged with China and understand that we can have a cooperative and constructive, yet candid relationship even though we may have some disagreements," Bush told the NBC Sports Sunday.
Bush, who is at the fag-end of his Presidency, brushed off the notion that American interests are irreconcilable with that of China and clarified that he does not need a sporting event like the Olympics to advance the interests of Washington.
"Oh! Absolutely. You have to understand something. I don't need the Olympics to advance America's agenda. I have met with Hu Jintao a lot since I have been the president.
"And listen, we agree with him on a lot of things and also disagree with him. And that's the way the relationship is going to be. It needs to be, as I mentioned, constructive and cooperative," Bush said.
On being asked how much leverage and influence the United States has on China within the framework of America's "growing" problems, the President said, "I don't see America having problems. I see America as a world leader, that has got great values."
"And leverage...I don't think you should look at the relationship as one of leverage. I think you ought to look at the relationship as one of constructive engagement," he added.
You can find common areas like North Korea and Iran but also be in a position where they respect you enough to listen to your views on religious freedom and political liberty," Bush replied.
Speaking about his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Bush said that a broad range of issues were discussed including human rights, press freedom, Tibet, North Korea and Iran along with Beijing's support of "rogue regimes" like Sudan and Myanmar. PTI SK
