The Hindu : International : Hu hopes for impetus to ties with U.S.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 05, 2004

International

International

Hu hopes for impetus to ties with U.S.

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE, NOV. 4. The Chinese President, Hu Jintao, today greeted his U.S. counterpart, George W. Bush, on his re-election, and expressed the hope that they could work together to give a "forward push" to the relationship between the two big powers. In a congratulatory message to Mr. Bush, Mr. Hu said: "Both China and the United States are great countries and share a wide range of common interests and a basis for cooperation."

The Chinese leader underlined that the two countries had made significant progress in respect of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields since Mr. Bush assumed office four years ago.

Taiwan issue

Mr. Hu told Mr. Bush: "I look forward to continuing to work together with you to further promote the development of the constructive cooperative relations between China and the United States."

While Taiwan remains a sensitive issue in the U.S.-China interactions, given Taipei's continuing efforts at shopping for sophisticated American weapons, Mr. Bush was seen to have made a subtle shift from his original position of regarding China as a strategic competitor of particular concern to him, according to Asia-Pacific diplomats.

Koizumi's message

The Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, in his comment on the U.S. election, said: "I am confident that President Bush will continue to exercise leadership for the United States as well as for the world ... Japan's relationship with the United States is the linchpin of its diplomacy. I intend to continue to cooperate with President Bush."

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Bush vows to make U.S. stronger

Bush seeks broad support of Americans

`Help restore democracy in Pakistan'

Norway to `explore ways to move forward peace process'

Hu hopes for impetus to ties with U.S.

Blair urges world to re-engage Bush

Hillary's chances brighter

Bush likely to retain tried, tested hands

Rights groups' appeal against US poll result

Former Tamil militant killed

Filmmaker's murder: Islamists held

Hunters kill last brown bear