Posted on 10/20/2001 5:53:14 AM PDT by CommiesOut
| Bush mind - boggled, amazed, startled by Shanghai | |
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By Patricia Wilson
SHANGHAI, Oct 20 (Reuters) - On the first day, U.S. President
George W. Bush found Shanghai amazing. Then it was miraculous.
Soon it was mind-boggling, even incredible. The well of
superlatives never runs dry.
Recalling that he was here with his no-nonsense mother,
former first lady Barbara Bush, 26 years ago, the president
quipped: "Shanghai has finally recovered."
"I can't tell you what a startling difference it is ... it's
a great testimony to the Chinese people and the leadership of
Shanghai and the leadership of this great land," Bush told
business executives attending the Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) forum.
- - - -
Conjuring up memories of that visit to China more than two
decades ago -- his father, former President George Bush, was head
of the U.S. liaison office in Beijing at the time -- seemed to
render the son briefly speechless.
"I've got to tell you, I was amazed -- as a matter of fact,
my mother and my family -- except for my dad -- got on a train in
1975 and motored down from Beijing to Shanghai. But what I drove
through last night from the airport was just mind-boggling," he
said.
"It was -- it's going to be hard to describe to my fellow
citizens what I saw. It's miraculous and incredible, really. And
I think it's -- those of you probably who have been here for a
while take it for granted."
- - - -
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi drew praise from
Bush for his resolve, his determination and his "nice arm."
After talking to reporters about weighty issues like the
U.S.-led war on terrorism and economic strategy, the two avid
baseball fans turned to the matter at hand -- a mitt signed by
Major League legend Cal Ripken that Bush gave Koizumi.
The two leaders tossed a baseball around after their first
meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat earlier this year
and Bush complimented Koizumi on Saturday, saying: "He's got a
very nice arm. I saw his fastball at Camp David."
"Yes, quite a spirit, very strong. Reliable," agreed Koizumi.
"Plus, we've been very impressed by Ichiro," Bush added,
referring to Japanese-born Ichiro Suzuki, star slugger for the
Seattle Mariners.
Not to be outdone in the quip department, Koizumi explained:
"My name is June-Ichiro."
"Got you," said Bush.
Koizumi's choice of gift reflected the APEC summit's emphasis
on the war on terrorism.
He presented Bush with a bow and arrow. One of the arrows had
been placed in a long wooden box with handbrushed calligraphy by
the prime minister himself.
The message read: "To defeat evil and bring peace on earth."
The specially crafted arrow produces a sharp, distinctive
sound that was traditionally used to mark the start of combat.
- - - -
Bush prefers the way the Chinese do things -- at least when
it comes to news conferences.
After his first meeting with President Jiang Zemin on Friday,
the two leaders went before the media at the government-run
Western Suburb Guest House.
After two questions, Jiang abruptly cut the session off,
saying: "That is the end of the press conference. Thank You."
Just a week before in Washington, Bush spent 45 minutes
answering questions at a formal White House news conference, the
first one of his presidency to be televised live in prime time.
"I like the way the Chinese do it when it comes to press
conferences," he quipped.
- - - -
Politics and war make strange bedfellows.
At the APEC business leaders' session on Saturday, Bush, a
Republican, was introduced by Robert Rubin, who served as U.S.
treasury secretary in the previous administration of Democratic
President Bill Clinton.
Rubin said he had party differences with Bush, but added:
"There is no difference when it comes to the struggle against
terrorism, and our nation stands united around the president's
leadership on this vital and complicated mission."
((Washington newsroom 202 898-8300, fax 202 898 8383, email
Washington.bureau.newsroom@reuters.com))
20 OCT 2001 11:35:34 No doubt, state run media is a lot less pesky than a free press.
It is true that China has grown wealthier since then. Their GDP has now reached US$1 trillion.
rofl, I hope it doesn't give him anymore ideas to aid in homeland security.
By the free press do you mean the democratic, liberal Bush can't do anything right, I wish Clinton had a chance to show his greatness, don't believe what you see only what we tell you BS artists? Well it looks to me like Dan Rather and Tom Brokaw are going to be a lot less pesky this time around.
Yes adding freedom in China and H.K. -- that is when I will be amazed!
I see your priorities are in order. Punctuality will certainly end the communist regime.
Is THAT what FREE TRADE has brought us? I think it's time to re-assess the global free trade deal. Somebody just re-sold us the Brooklyn Bridge.
Oh, is that what that was? Sorry, stilts.
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