Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao yesterday called for fewer trade
barriers and closer ties between China and the United States, while US President
Bush vowed persistent efforts to maintain scientific and technological edge of
his country.
During his speech at Boeing Corp, President Hu sought to soothe tensions over
the US-China trade deficit, telling workers China will need thousands of new
airplanes in the coming years as the rapidly growing Asian economy powers ahead.
Chinese President Hu Jintao
waves after addressing Boeing employees during his tour of the Boeing's
Commerical Airplane plant in Everett, Washington. Jintao urged the United
States not to let trade disputes damage Sino-US relations, arguing that
the China trade has saved American consumers billions of dollars and
created millions of jobs. [AFP] |
"Strong business ties meet the fundamental interests of our two countries and
peoples and will continue to play an important role in stabilizing our
relations," Hu said.
China's rapid growth and development will increase demand for American
products and expertise in areas such as technology, Hu said, and "I hope the
American businesses will seize the opportunities."
Speaking to an audience of the northwestern Washington state business and
political leaders, Hu said China does not seek a big trade surplus with the US.
Hu urged the United States not to let trade disputes damage Sino-US
relations, arguing that the China trade has saved American consumers billions of
dollars and created millions of jobs.
"Given the rapid growth, sheer size and wide scope of our business ties, it
is hardly avoidable that some problems have occurred," Hu told
the luncheon.
"We should properly address these problems through consultation and dialogue
on an equal footing as we work to expand our business ties."
China-US trade has brought "great benefits" to both sides, Hu said on the
second day of his first official US visit and on the eve of a summit with US
President George W. Bush.
"According to (US investment bank) Morgan Stanley, in 2004 alone, quality yet
inexpensive Chinese goods saved US consumers 100 billion US dollars and trading
with China created over four million jobs in the United States," Hu said.
US companies doing business with China also have made profits, he added.
