President

By Merle D. Kellerhals Jr.
Staff Writer
August 11, 2008

Washington -- President Bush wrapped up a three-nation, seven-day visit to East Asia, citing the enormous growth in political liberty and economic prosperity that has enhanced the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of millions across the region.

"Some have called this transformation 'the Asian Miracle,'" Bush says.  "In truth, it's no miracle at all.  It's evidence of universal truths: the passion for liberty transcends culture and faith.  Free markets unleash innovation and blaze the path to prosperity.  Trusting in the natural talent and creativity of a nation's people is the surest way to build a vibrant and hopeful society."

The president traveled to South Korea, Thailand and China during his trip, which is likely to be his last official trip to East Asia during his administration.  A newly elected U.S. president will take office January 20, 2009.

Bush met first in Seoul with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to discuss continuing negotiations with North Korea and the other members of the Six-Party Talks on efforts to get North Korea to end its nuclear development program.  The president also discussed economic and trade issues, including efforts to push through Congress a free-trade agreement with South Korea.

In his next stop in Bangkok, Thailand, Bush celebrated the 175th anniversary of continuous relations between the United States and Thailand.  "The values of freedom and openness that gave birth to our alliance have sustained it through the centuries," Bush said in a major speech August 7 about U.S. and East Asian relations.

Bush said in his speech that the United States has five treaty alliances in Asia that serve to advance peace and prosperity throughout the region.

"When I became president, I brought a conviction that America is a Pacific nation -- and that our interests and ideals require stronger engagement in Asia than ever before," Bush said.  "So over the past seven years, America has pursued four broad goals in the region: reinvigorate our alliances, forge new relationships with countries that share our values, seize new opportunities for prosperity and growth, and confront shared challenges together."

On the final leg of the president's Asian trip, Bush traveled to Beijing to meet with Chinese officials, discuss significant regional and bilateral issues and attend the opening of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Bush said in an NBC Television News interview August 10 that his talks with Chinese officials were cooperative and constructive, yet candid.  "It's really important for future presidents to understand the relationship between China and the region, and it's important to make sure that America is engaged with China, even though we may have some disagreements," Bush said.

Bush said that during his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao he pressed on the full array of U.S. concerns -- human rights, press freedom, Tibet, China's support for rogue regimes like Sudan and Burma, and North Korea and Iran.

"We agree with [the Chinese] on a lot of things.  And we disagree with them on things.  And that's the way the relationship is going to be," Bush said.  "It needs to be ... constructive and cooperative."

Bush and Hu discussed at length the U.S.-Chinese bilateral economic and trade relations.  "The president expressed his appreciation for what has been accomplished in the strategic economic dialogue, and noted that we look forward to the opening of the bilateral investment treaty negotiations with the Chinese," said Dennis Wilder, a deputy national security adviser and senior director for East Asian affairs on the U.S. National Security Council.

Also attending the meeting was U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Wilder said.  The next round of the strategic economic dialogue will take place in December.

"It will be the last dialogue of this administration on strategic economic issues, but we hope it helps to lay the groundwork for future economic and trade relations between the United States and China," Wilder said.

Bush also attended church services August 10 at the Beijing Kuanjie Protestant Christian Church.  "I just had the great joy and privilege of worshiping here in Beijing, China.  You know, it just goes to show that God is universal, and God is love, and no state, man or woman should fear the influence of loving religion," Bush said after the service.