Visiting U.S. President George W. Bush said Friday morning that the United States welcomes the emergence of a strong, peaceful and prosperous China.
Bush made the remark (Full Text)when addressing students and faculty members of the prestigious Qinghua University in Beijing.
The U.S. president said that once his country knew China only by its history as a great and enduring civilization while today it sees a China that is still defined by noble traditions of family, scholarship and honor.
"We see a China that is becoming one of the most dynamic and creative societies in the world," Bush said. "China is on a rising path, and America welcomes the emergence of a strong, peaceful and prosperous China."
Bush is on the second day of a two-day working visit to China.
US Government Supports One-China Policy: Bush
Visiting U.S. President George W. Bush said Friday that the U.S. government has long supported the one-China policy.
Bush made the remark in response to a question on Taiwan raised by a student after his speech at Qinghua University.
The U.S. president said that the U.S. government's policy on Taiwan has never changed.
The United States hopes the Taiwan issue will be settled in peaceful ways, Bush said.
Bush Stresses Personnel Exchanges
When asked by a female student if Bush would like his twin daughters to study in Qinghua, which Bush said has a high reputation in the world in his speech, the president joked: "I'm afraid they don't listen to me any more." He then said that he does hope they will come here. "They will benefit from coming here, as will a lot of other United States students," he said.
Bush stressed the importance of students exchange programs, adding that the United States will welcome more Chinese students to study in the U.S.
The president also stressed the value of family, noting that both countries share the strong tradition of honoring the family.
"When students get to know each other, they learn about the universality of many values, and that's going to be important for peace in the world," Bush said.
Bush Hails Amazing Changes in China
Recalling his impression of his first visit, he said, "in 1975,everybody wore the same clothes. But now people pick their own clothes," which he said has to do not only with the economy, but also with a different attitude towards the people.
"The individual demand for a product influences the production. And recognizing the desire of individuals in the marketplace is part of a free society, part of the definition of freedom," said the president when answering a question from a Qinghua University student.