U.S. and Taiwan (2006)

U.S. Department of State

U.S. Foreign Policy Update

Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman, U.S. Department of State

Foreign Press Center Briefing

Washington, DC

April 6, 2006

3:00 P.M. EST, THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2006

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QUESTION: Li Xue Jiang with China's Xinhua news agency. Chinese President Hu Jintao is coming to United States and will meet President Bush in the White House. What's the U.S. expectation for this visit and what issues are they expected to discuss?

And my second question is, I remember Chinese Vice Premier Yi is heading a big delegation in the U.S. buying mission and what do you think this will promote bilateral trade and economic relations? Thank you.

MR. ERELI: As far as Vice Premier Yi's visit, this is -- she is coming here for participation in the JCCT talks. I think it's a little bit more than a buying mission. I think it's part of our close and growing cooperation on trade and economic issues and her visit will contribute to that.

As far as President Hu's visit is concerned, obviously, this is an opportunity for the leaders of these two great nations to once again meet, to once again, I think, reaffirm their strong commitment to a healthy relationship, one in which there are many convergent interests: trade, regional stability, and -- frankly, and global security. It will also offer us an opportunity to raise with the Chinese issues that we feel strongly about, issues such as open markets, human rights, and other concerns.

But frankly, I think what's important for us and this, Deputy Secretary Zoellick has outlined very clearly, is that China is an important player on the international stage and we want to work together with China in ways that help China meet its own development challenges, as well as contribute to the growth and stability worldwide that benefits both our countries. And that's going to be, I think, the fundamental nature of the discussion between the two leaders.

Yeah, sure.

QUESTION: But with regard to the question of Taiwan, I wonder if you're going to have -- you know, the discussion -- usually in the past, it's customary for the Chinese to ask for U.S. to reiterate its position with regard to Taiwan. I wonder how you're going to approach at this time, in light of the recent development, President Chen's announcement on National Unification Council. Is it going to have any effect with --

MR. ERELI: I think the United -- you can expect the United States to make clear its position, which is well-known, on Taiwan.

Yes, sir.

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