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China's Hu hails successful U.S. trip
2002-05-03
SAN FRANCISCO - Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao, fresh from an inaugural visit to Washington as his country's next probable leader, on Thursday hailed his U.S. trip as a resounding success. "Let us work together to create an even better future for U.S.-China relations," a smiling Hu said at a speech in San Francisco, the final stop of his first official U.S. trip. Hu, who is expected to take over from Jiang Zemin as head of the Communist Party this year and as China's president in 2003, arrived in California from Washington, where he met President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and other senior U.S. officials on Wednesday. In a speech Wednesday evening, Hu warned that "trouble" over Taiwan could set back improving U.S.-China ties but said the overall trend in the relationship was positive and the future bright. In San Francisco, Hu was scheduled to hold talks with California Gov. Gray Davis as well as meet local political and business leaders in a city with long historical ties to China. Thursday's welcoming banquet, hosted by San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, was attended by senior officials from Bechtel, ChevronTexaco and J.P. Morgan Chase as well as by a selection of California Olympic athletes. Hu -- widely regarded as a mysterious figure despite his growing political power in Beijing -- appeared happy and relaxed, saying he was leaving the United States impressed by the desire of the American people to further friendly relations with China. "I take the friendly sentiments of the U.S. people back with me," he said. Echoing his speech in Washington, Hu said that difficulties and tests were sure to present themselves as the United States and China negotiate a future which looks likely to be complicated by the issue of Taiwan -- which Beijing regards as a renegade province -- as well as trade and economic tensions. But he said he was heartened by his talks with Bush and Cheney, and felt confident Sino-U.S. links would prosper. "Difficulties can always be overcome," Hu said, adding that the two sides should redouble their efforts to promote a constructive relationship. As with other stops on his U.S. itinerary, Hu was greeted in San Francisco by pro-China demonstrators and protesters espousing Taiwan independence, Tibetan rights and the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement. Approximately 250 demonstrators gathered outside the hotel where he was speaking chanting: "You are the butchers" and "Shame on China." Hu, who arrived in the United States Saturday, was due to return to China after meeting with local Chinese-American leaders Friday. Reuters... ... | Note: this page has been archived under Muzi Premium Version and is only available to premium members. Please use the Premium Personal Password (PPP) to log in.
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