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President George W. Bush arrived in Beijing Thursday and meeting with Chinese leader Jiang Zemin reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korea. Following on his comments made earlier in Seoul, President Bush asked President Jiang to relay this message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, while at the same time conveying his serious concerns on the non-transparent Pyongyang regime that was allowing its citizens to starve.
Before leaving for China, Bush attended a farewell ceremony at Osan Airbase and told the 3,000 personnel there that peace on the peninsula was kept by their presence. He said North Korea was the most dangerous regime in the world threatening the US and its allies with weapons of mass destruction. Bush continued he would not stop his war on terrorism until it had been eradicated, pointing out that as a Pacific nation, America had a duty to defend freedom. He called on US forces worldwide, including the USFK, to be prepared for any forthcoming missions and said that as commander in chief he would give clear targets and orders, and any assistance necessary to carry out specified actions.
Jiang stated that China's position on the Korean peninsular was consistent in its wish for peace and stability, adding that he hoped the US and North Korea would commence talks in the near future.
The two leaders agreed to cooperate with regard to the issue of international terrorism based on reciprocity, and reconfirmed the principle of one China. However, they failed to comment on US arms exports to Taiwan.
Bush and Jiang agreed to expand economic ties, but did not address the topics of religious freedom and human rights.
The US president later attended a dinner hosted by Jiang at the People's Assembly Building. He is scheduled to have a breakfast meeting with Zou Rongji, Friday, followed by a speech at Quingwa University and a tour of the Great Wall before returning to the US.
(From Beijing, Yeo Shi-dong, sdyeo@chosun.com )
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