US President George W. Bush said on October 16 in Washington his scheduled summit with President Jiang Zemin at the forthcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in Shanghai will play an important role in improving US-Chinese relations.

In a joint interview with Chinese, Japanese and South Korean journalists at the White House elaborating on his plan attending the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, President Bush reiterated he is looking forward to opening a frank dialogue with President Jiang.

The US President noted that he is sincere in meeting President Jiang and establishing a friendly relation between the two, according to People’s Daily.

Though difference may occur, President Bush said, the United States is trying all out to maintain friendly ties with China.

President Bush affirmed that he is quite clear with the importance of China, which is a very important country in the world, and will conduct talks on trade, nonproliferation and human rights with China in a friendly manner.

The US leader stressed that it is of vital importance to improving US-Sino trade links, which benefits both nations.

He noted that he strongly favors China's entry into the World Trade Organization, affirming this will not help encourage China's market-oriented economy, but also affirms to national interest of the US.

On the Taiwan issue, President Bush said he will reiterate to President Jiang US' stand, which favors a One China policy and hopes for a peaceful settlement on the issue.

He added that is keen to revisiting Shanghai and pins much hopes on the APEC leaders' summit, noting that anti-terrorism will be one of the many topics among the multi-lateral talks during the meeting.

(China Daily October 17, 2001)