Premier Wen´s diplomatic success

cctv.com 12-17-2003 13:44

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has returned home in triumph from his first diplomatic tour, after securing a promise from the US president to oppose Taiwan independence. He also clinched agreements with Canada and Mexico on further economic cooperation. He wound up his trip in Africa, where he pledged more aid and an open market.

Ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, Premier Wen Jiabao got his four-nation tour going in a festive spirit. One day later, George W. Bush rolled out the red carpet for him, and gave him a 19-gun salute, a protocol reserved for heads of state. In talks with the American president, the Chinese premier got what he wanted the most, a promise to oppose Taiwan independence.

Premier Wen's visit to the US came at a time when China and the US have been moving closer to becoming partners rather than rivals after September the 11th. Despite frequent trade rows, the two sides are doing their best to maneuver along a path of cooperation and compromise. In his speech at Harvard University, Wen Jiabao re-affirmed China's wish for friendship with America.

Premier Wen said: " The improvement and growth of the US-China relationship is mature enough to withstand the small problems and the contradictions."

He means what he said. Only a month ago, a Chinese delegation went on a big buying spree for American cars and planes worth 6 billion US dollars to help balance its trade surplus with the biggest economy in the world.

Upon his departure, the Chinese premier called his US visit a complete success. And the success story continued to 2 other North American countries, Canada and Mexico. The two countries have both enjoyed increasing economic cooperation with China alongside good political ties.

During his meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Mexican President Vicente Fox, the Chinese premier impressed his hosts with a clear and confident message: China will work on opening its market and upgrading cooperation with them.

The final leg of his trip took Wen Jiabao to Ethiopia where he attended the second China-Africa Cooperation Forum, launched in 2000 to strengthen consultation and coordination between the two sides. His commitment to the African nations is continued aid and a more open market for African products. The Chinese premier concluded his 10-day tour by extending a helping hand. He said his government will cancel the debts 31 African countries owe to China.

For Premier Wen, it's been a week of hard work, capped with success. Chinese diplomacy has taken a long trip along a path of more active involvement in world affairs.

Editor:Su  Source:CCTV.com