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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, February 20, 2002

Bush's China Trip to Boost U.S.-China Ties: Haig

Former U.S. secretary of state Alexander Haig said on Wednesday that President George W. Bush's visit to China will give leaders of the two countries an opportunity to look at a future that will build upon the principles embodied in the landmark Shanghai Communique.
In an exclusive written days before Bush' s China trip on February 21-22, Haig said: "The relationship will continue to grow and prosper to the mutual benefit of all peoples."


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Haig Confident in Closer Ties

Haig was deputy national security advisor to then U.S. president Richard Nixon and one of the important participants in the making of the Shanghai Communique in 1972.

In an exclusive written interview with Xinhua days before Bush' s China trip on February 21-22, Haig said: "The relationship will continue to grow and prosper to the mutual benefit of all peoples."

He expressed his confidence on closer ties between the two countries as President Bush realized after the September 11 terror attacks that the two countries had many common interests.

U.S.-China Strategic Relationship More Important

He stressed that "a durable, long-term U.S.-China strategic relationship is even more important now than in previous decades," adding the events of September 11 have demonstrated that convergence of interests between the two countries serves as a catalyst for a strengthened relationship.

  • China's Role Important


    • Haig praised China for its role in the campaign against terrorism and its contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula, the crackdown on drug smuggling and the safeguarding of world peace and security.

  • China's WTO Accession Influential


    • He noted that the development of U.S.-China relations is in the interest of the two peoples and predicted closer bilateral ties after China's entry into WTO.

    "With China's entry into the World Trade Organization, there should be even closer ties between our two countries," he said.

    China to Further Contribute to Strengthened Relationship

    The former secretary of state also expressed confidence that despite the challenges China is facing in its economic restructuring, the country will meet its obligations and bilateral trade will further contribute to strengthened relations between the two countries.

  • Tremendous Achievements Made


    • He said President Bush witnessed China's tremendous achievements in economic development and modernization drive when he attended the APEC Shanghai meeting last year.

  • Principles of Market Economy


    • Anyone familiar with the principles of market economy and the impacts of economic globalization will not lose sight that China's greater success will bring more benefits to the United States and the world at large, he said.

    China will become a brisker market for the U.S. and the world as a whole as the country achieves greater economic prosperity, Haig added.

    Future of Bi-Relationship Promising

  • Two Countries Urged For Further Cooperation


    • He urged the two countries to promote greater dialogue on political, commercial and military matters, saying: "Although differences might arise between our two countries, they can be managed, if not resolved, through continuous engagement."

    He also urged the two countries to bear in mind the history of their bilateral relations, and remember how and why they established the relations 30 years ago, "otherwise we may repeat past mistakes," he warned.

  • Opportunities by 2008 Olympics


    • Looking to the future, Haig said: "The world awaits Beijing's hosting of the 2008 Olympics, an occasion which will bring into the global spotlight the dramatic advances China is making in enhancing the quality of life for its people.

  • 30th anniversary of Shanghai Communique


    • "We have much to look forward to and much to celebrate on the 30th anniversary of the Shanghai Communique," he said. The communique was signed on February 28, 1972, during Nixon's historic visit to China.



    One China Principle Basis For Sino-U.S. Ties: Haig
    Former U.S. secretary of state Alexander Haig said on Wednesday that the one China principle has been the "basis for the Sino-U.S. relationship since 1972," when the two countries signed a historic joint communique that paved the way for the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979.
    He made the remarks in an exclusive written interview days before President George W. Bush's visit to China on February 21-22. February also sees the 30th anniversary of the signing of the 1972 Shanghai Communique.

    Alexander Haig

    State of Residency: Connecticut
    Appointment: Jan 22, 1981
    Entry on Duty: Jan 22, 1981
    Termination of Appointment: Jul 5, 1982
    Presidency: Reagan

    As Secretary of State

    Second military leader to head the Department of State
    Helped formulate a policy opposing the expansion of Soviet influence
    Mediated dispute between Britain and Argentinians over the small British force stationed on the Faulkland islands (the Malvinas)
    After repeated disputes about the extent of his authority in foreign affairs, he resigned

    Foreign Travels of Secretary of State Alexander Haig

    Born: December 2, 1924
    Married: Patricia Antionette Fox
    Education: U.S. Military Academy; Georgetown University
    Occupation: Military

    Government Positions

    Aide to General Douglas MacArthur in Japan
    Staff officer in the Department of the Army at the Pentagon in 1962
    Special Assistant to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara in 1964
    Went to Vietnam as a batallion commander in an infantry unit; awarded the Distinguished Service Cross; promoted to colonel
    Military assistant to Henry Kissinger in 1969
    Deputy assistant to the President for national security affairs 1971
    Nixon appointed him for several foreign assignments, including Vietnam peace talks in Paris
    Nixon made him Army vice chief of staff with rank of four-star general and later became Chief of the White House staff
    President Ford appointed Haig supreme allied commander of NATO forces in Europe 1974-1979; he later resigned from this post




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