NewsMax.com Wires
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003

"Our position on Taiwan and China remains the same: The president does not support Taiwan independence and opposes any unilateral steps by Beijing or Taipei that would alter Taiwan's status," White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

Asked whether the administration had conveyed that message directly to the Taiwanese, McClellan said, "They are well aware of our views."

But Bush gently chided China on human rights and on Beijing's economic policies.

"The growth of economic freedom in China provides reason to hope that social, political and religious freedoms will grow there as well," Bush told Wen and an audience of dignitaries at an official greeting on the South Lawn. "In the long run, these freedoms are indivisible and essential to national greatness and national dignity."

China joined the World Trade Organization two years ago. The administration has been pushing Beijing to speed up market opening measures and relax controls on its currency that it contends make Chinese exports unfairly cheap on world markets.

"We recognize that if prosperity's power is to reach into every corner of China, the Chinese government must fully integrate into the rules and norms of the international trading and finance system," Bush said.

Bush also noted growing ties between the two powers, particularly their cooperation against terrorism and on ridding North Korea of nuclear weapons.

"The growing strength and maturity of our relationship allows us to discuss our differences, whether over economic issues, Taiwan, Tibet or human rights and religious freedom, in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect," the president said.

Wen said: "At the present crucial juncture, we face opportunities and challenges. The fundamental interests of the two peoples require China and the United States to step up cooperation. ... China-U.S. relations must go on improving."

McClellan and other administration officials issued the warning on Taiwan ahead of White House meetings Tuesday between Wen, Bush and other senior officials. Beijing considers Taiwan an inseparable part of China. The administration has maintained a "one-China" policy for years.

Prompting the harsh language by the official was a plan by Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian to hold a referendum in March. A new law gives him the power to hold a "defensive referendum" when the island's sovereignty faces imminent threat.

The referendum, timed to coincide with presidential elections, would ask voters whether they want to demand that China withdraw hundreds of missiles aimed at Taiwan and renounce the use of force against the island.

"Taiwan seems to be pushing the envelope pretty vigorously on questions that seem to be related to Taiwan's status. And that makes us uncomfortable," said a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity.

The statement came at a time when the United States is working closely with China in hopes of negotiating an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons programs.

Bush gave Wen the pomp and pageantry of an official visit, greeting him on the South Lawn of the White House as an American band played the anthems of both countries.

In Taipei, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Eugene Chien told state radio that since the first U.S. remarks came from an unidentified official, Taiwan's government would not comment extensively until more was known about the source.

Chien said: "The United States doesn't want our referendum to affect the stability in the Taiwan Strait. We fully understand this."

Wen, who became premier in March, gave a speech on trade issues in New York on Monday, then dined with Secretary of State Colin Powell at the State Department as dozens of pro-Falun Gong demonstrators marched in subfreezing temperatures outside. Falun Gong, a spiritual movement, was banned by China several years ago.

In a toast, Powell offered warm praise for Wen. "You have been candid, constructive, and you have sought cooperative relationships, and that is precisely what we seek with China: a candid, constructive and cooperative relationship," Powell said.

On Tuesday morning, Wen went to Capitol Hill in advance of his meeting with the president at the White House, holding talks with House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. The two posed briefly for photographers, exchanging greetings before going behind closed doors for talks.

China has made clear that it would regard a Taiwanese referendum on any issue to be a step toward independence. While reproaching Taiwan, the U.S. official said the administration cannot countenance any Chinese use of force against Taiwan.

The administration has for years supported a one-China policy and said the only answer was negotiations leading to a peaceful settlement.

The United States, under the Taiwan Relations Act, has pledged to defend Taiwan if it is attacked by the mainland. But no administration has ever spelled out the circumstances under which force would be used to defend Taiwan.

Facing strong pressure over China's rising trade surplus with the United States in the run-up to a presidential election next year, the Bush administration has been pushing Beijing to speed up market opening measures and relax controls on its currency that it contends make Chinese exports unfairly cheap on world markets.

Last year, China's surplus with the United States hit a record $103 billion. It is forecast to exceed $120 billion this year, despite a narrowing of Beijing's surplus with the rest of the world.

© 2003 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Editor's note:
Harry Wu reveals the real China – Click Here Now

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
2004 Elections
Bush Administration
China/Taiwan
George W. Bush