Chinese Premier meets US Secretary of State

cctv.com 12-09-2003 15:43

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has met US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Washington. The meeting is part of Wen Jiabao's first official trip to the United States as the Chinese Premier.

Earlier in the day, he toured the New York office of one of the world's biggest companies, General Electric.

The Chinese Premier attended a dinner with Powell shortly after he reached Washington. At the end of his toast, Powell showed his hospitality to his Chinese guest. Wen Jiabao then said the US and China should not let disagreement tear the strong bonds of their friendship.

He also said he was looking forward to his meeting with US President George W. Bush.

Wen Jiabao said:"I'm looking forward very much to my meeting tomorrow with President Bush and my sense tells me that the discussion tomorrow will be very successful. Because like him, I'm a candid and sincere man. So the spirit that will guide my discussion with President Bush tomorrow will also be candid, cooperative and constructive."

Taiwan and trade issues are expected to dominate Wen Jiabao's talks with the US President on Tuesday.

On Monday, the Bush administration strongly criticized Taiwan moves to hold a referendum that could be interpreted as a separatist move.

Premier Wen is also expected to meet US Vice President Dick Cheney and Congressional leaders during his stay in the US capital.

Before he left for Washington, Wen Jiabao and a delegation of Chinese business executives and trade officials had a look at General Electric's offices in New York. The Chinese Premier hailed GE's growing business as an example of a successful partnership with China.

Editor:Su  Source:CCTV.com