President Bush´s expectations for Beijing Games

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Source: CCTV.com | 08-08-2008 13:02

China is planning a welcoming reception for over a hundred state leaders, senior officials and members of Royalty. Among those arriving for the Olympic Opening Ceremony is U.S. President George W. Bush.

Before his arrival in the Chinese capital, the American  President spoke to CCTV's Washington correspondent about  his expectations for the Games.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is expected in Beijing on Friday. He spoke to media ahead of his trip, saying he looks forward to seeing Japanese and Chinese athletes on the Olympic courts. The Japanese Prime Minister predicts the Beijing Olympics will become a milestone in China's evolution from the past into a new era.

CCTV Washington Correspondent Yang Fuqing said, "Thank you very much Mr. President for joining us. The much -anticipated Beijing Olympic Games will be opening in Beijing in just about a week's time, and you will be attending the opening ceremony on August 8th. And Chinese people are very much looking forward to your visit. So at this moment, what are your expectations for the Beijing Games? What kind of message will you bring to the Chinese people?"

U.S. President Bush said, "First message to the Chinese people is I respect Chinese people, respect history, tradition. I'm coming as the president of a friend, and coming as a sportsman. I'm looking forward to the competition. I think I'm going to see the US-Chinese basketball games. And I'm not coming alone. My wife is coming, a lot of my family is coming as well, so it's gonna be great."

Yang Fuqing said, " You are under a kind of pressure from politicians here in Washington, who called on you not to go to Beijing, But you insisted on going. So Out of what consideration did you make such a decision?"

U.S. President Bush said,"I think it's best for US-China relations that I go. I know it's important for me to send a clear signal to the Chinese people that we respect them. I tell people that of course we got differences with china on issues; they got differences with us on issues. but the best way to conduct our diplomacy and conduct our relations is out of mutual respect. And it is much more likely that Chinese leader would listen to my concerns if he knows I respect the people of china. So I'm looking forward to going. "

Editor:Meng Rui