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Bush urges Chinese reform
16/11/2005 18:13 - (SA)
Kyoto - United States president, George W Bush, has prodded China to grant more political freedom to its 1.3 billion people.
He held up China's archrival, Taiwan, as a society that has successfully moved from repression to democracy as it opened up its economy.
"Modern Taiwan is free and democratic and prosperous. By embracing freedom at all levels, Taiwan has delivered prosperity to its people and created a free and democratic Chinese society," Bush said on Wednesday, ahead of his weekend visit to Beijing.
He delivered the same message to China in a joint news conference with Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, an unflinching ally despite the president's record-low popularity and mounting problems at home.
Koizumi supported the US-led invasion of Iraq, and made an unpopular decision to send non-combat troops to the area in January 2004.
US, Japan re-affirm united stand
The mission ends next month, and Koizumi was non-committal about extending it. Bush did not press Koizumi publicly about the troops, saying it was a decision for Japan's government.
The two leaders re-affirmed their united stand over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, demanding it be verifiably dismantled.
Bush and Koizumi praised each other and glossed over lingering problems, such as Japan's ban on US beef imports.
The two leaders also acknowledged unhappiness by many in Okinawa over a new agreement to re-align America's military presence in Japan. Koizumi said he hoped opponents would rethink their opposition. Bush said it was a matter for the prime minister and the people of Japan.
Japan was the first stop on a journey that will take Bush to South Korea, China and Mongolia.
In a prepared speech, Bush said China's economic growth must be accompanied by more freedoms for its people.
Bush's comments brushed off
He also lectured China on opening its economy to foreign competition to narrow the expected $200bn trade surplus with the US.
"China needs to provide a level playing field for American businesses seeking access to China's market," said Bush.
China's foreign minister, Li Zhaoxing, brushed off Bush's comments about Taiwan and political freedoms.
Bush's comments about Taiwan could chill his reception in Beijing later this week.
The island has had de facto independence for more than 50 years, largely because of US support.
Relations could become colder when Bush, wanting to make a point on religious freedom, plans to worship at one of five officially recognised Protestant churches in the city.
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