Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3-16-2001

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-273824

TITLE=BUSH / ASIA (L)

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The White House confirmed Friday that President Bush will pay an official visit to China in October in connection with his attendance at the APEC summit of Pacific-rim nations in Shanghai. Next week, he'll have a preparatory meeting with a senior Chinese official and also meet Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori. VOA's David Gollust reports from the White House.

TEXT: The official announcement of the Bush trip to Beijing was supposed to have been made next week in connection a visit here by Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen.

But the White House moved it up after Premier Zhu Rongji unexpectedly disclosed the invitation to the President during a news conference Thursday in Beijing.

Bush spokesman Scott McClellan said the President will also visit Japan and South Korea on what will likely be the first Asian trip of his administration.

President Bush begins a week crowded with international diplomacy next Monday when he holds talks with Japan's embattled Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.

Mr. Mori is facing resignation pressure within his ruling Liberal Democratic Party over his handling of the listless Japanese economy. Briefing reporters, spokesman McClellan said the slowdown is a matter of major concern in Washington:

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It is in our interest that Japan be economically strong and prosperous. As you're aware it is the second-largest economy in the world, so Japan's slow growth has implications for the United States and the rest of the world.

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The President's Thursday meeting with Chinese Vice-Premier Qian will be his first contact with a senior Beijing official, and their talks are expected to cover a list of problem issues including Taiwan, human rights, and administration plans for a ballistic missile defense system, which China strongly opposes.

Despite the difficulties, Premier Zhu struck an optimistic note in his news session Thursday, saying the Vice-Premier will make it clear that China values and will try to improve - its relationship with Washington.

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Mr. Bush also has meetings next week with Spain's King Juan Carlos and Israeli new Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

In apparent preparation for the Sharon visit, the President spoke by telephone Friday with Syrian President Bashar Assad, though no details of the conversation were given. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/KBK