U.S. Relations with the People's Republic of China (2005)

U.S. Department of State

U.S. Foreign Policy Update

J. Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesperson, Department of State
Foreign Press Center Briefing
Washington, DC
November 21, 2005

2:35 P.M. EST

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MR. ERELI: Thank you, Jess. Good to see you all again. For an update on -- since the last time we briefed, which was August 10th, a lot of sort of interesting things to note and I think it's useful to take stock of how in the period of just a few short months we've gotten a lot done in the way of basically advancing the Secretary's and the President's agenda of transformational diplomacy.

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She's just concluded, I think, a very successful to the Middle East and Asia. Asia -- joined the President for his participation in the APEC summit as well as visits to China and Japan and Mongolia.

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QUESTION: From China, Xin Hua News Agency. An editorial by the New York Times Saturday said that the Bush Administration is approaching a new containment policy towards China. And do you agree with that?

MR. ERELI: I don't know if I'd interpret the editorial that way. I think that certainly was a mischaracterization of our policy and I would refer you to two speeches that give you a good sense of where the United States wants to be with China: First and foremost, the President's speech last week in Tokyo in which he laid out, I think, a very clear and compelling vision of our relationship so far and where we hope to take it; and also the Deputy Secretary's speech to the U.S.-China Friendship -- U.S.-China Business -- I don't know the exact group in New York -- a couple of weeks ago, which was following on his trip to Beijing and his initiation of the enhanced partnership, enhanced dialogue, with China, how we see it moving forward.

But the way I would encourage you to look at our dealing with China is, number one, our recognition that China is a rising power that is rather than a rival is a potential -- is a partner in many ways, and one in which we seek to help integrate into the international system and to play a positive and constructive role in enhancing security and prosperity worldwide.

That said, there are actions and decisions and policies of the People's Republic that do cause us concern that we feel it is important to speak out about and to engage with China on. And I think the President was very clear and the Deputy Secretary was very clear about what those issues are and how we hope to have a productive dialogue with China on those issues.

Yes, ma'am.

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