President Bush's visit to China will be "another important milestone" in building the cooperative and constructive relationship between the two countries, said US Ambassador to China Clark T. Randt Jr.
President Bush's China visit will coincidentally take place on the same day as former President Richard Nixon's historical "ice-breaking" visit three decades ago.
"We are very delighted that the President could schedule his visit on this momentous day," Randt said, noting it is also important to know that this is the first time a sitting American President has ever set his foot on China twice within four months during his term in office, a movement that clearly indicates the importance President Bush attaches to the bilateral relationship.
Undoubtedly, President Bush means by this visit to build on the momentum that began with his meeting with Chinese President Jiang Zemin in Shanghai, Randt said, adding that since Bush personally came to China in 1975 and 2001, he wishes to see personally the changes in this country through his visit.
"As you know, 'Bai Wen Bu Ru Yi Jian' (Seeing is Believing)", Randt said in Chinese.
Addressing the current US-China relations, Randt said," Since I arrived, things got much better."
"We use the last 30 years to get to know each other better. I know that President Bush views the stabilized relations as an important goal," he added.
Randt, who assumed the post of Ambassador to China last July, said as two great nations, the US and China have "overriding interests" in areas like safety and prosperity of the people, which is served by peace and stability in the region and globally. In addition, he believes China is also too big to ignore in such issues as energy, environment, and HIV/AIDS.
Randt said a constructive US-China relationship is important in addressing major regional and global issues, and the two countries must continue to improve the ways they work together to promote their mutual goal, the preservation of global peace and prosperity.
He pointed out in particular that after the September 11 terrorist attacks, counter-terrorism has become an example of how the two nations can work together.
China and the US have both been victims of terrorist violence and face a threat from international terrorism, Randt said, adding that since September 11, direct and frequent communication between the leaders of the two countries has been a central element of their cooperation.
The bilateral cooperation between the two countries on many levels is unprecedented and is leading to cooperation on other significant common interests, he said.
The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a related area where the two nations can work together, Randt said, adding that since September 11, both nations have realized that stopping the spread of weapons of mass construction is more important than ever, and there has been evidence that terrorists are actively seeking to acquire such weapons.
He expressed hopes that President Bush's visit will offer a chance to strengthen cooperation in addressing this threat to global and regional security.
Touching on the US-China trade and economic cooperation after China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Randt said a stable and prosperous China is good for both the US and China, and joining the WTO was the right decision for China.
The WTO membership will link China inextricably to the global community, bring with it greater trade, more employment and investment opportunities, and China will be able to participate directly in the making and amending of the rules that govern global trade and investment, he said.
Randt admitted that there still exists differences between the two nations. He said that facing such differences, President Bush and he himself both held that the two sides should approach those differences in a candid and constructive way and they can talk frankly about them to build mutual trust. He believed "mutual respect" is important in solving the differences they have.
Increased communications among the leaders are helpful to increase understanding and to avoid issues that arise due to misunderstandings, he said, adding that President Bush's two visits, the talks between the leaders over phone, and other high-level exchanges and consultations have all played an important role in enhancing their mutual understanding.
As the leaders between the two nations got to know each other better, they will discuss their differences more frankly and clearly, Randt said. As their high-level communications and mutual understanding increase, an even more positive and constructive bilateral relationship can be anticipated, he said.
"We have a historical opportunity and it's much too important for future generations to let this opportunity pass," Randt said.
(Xinhua News Agency February 19, 2002)
