China won’t ape western system, Hu tells Bush

BEIJING: United States President George W Bush's appeal to China today to expand religious, political and social freedom was met by his counterpart Hu Jintao's firm assertion that Beijing would not ape western-style political system and will improve human rights according to "the actual situation."

Hu also said that China will not allow "independence" of Taiwan while agreeing to crack down on intellectual piracy, gradually balance trade currently favouring Beijing and make currency reforms.

"China will continue to build up democracy with its own characteristics and improve its people's human rights based on the actual situation and the aspirations of the people," Hu said after a 90-minute meeting with Bush at the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square.

Bush, who earlier kicked off his third visit to China by attending a solemn service at Gangwashi Church, one of five officially recognised Protestant churches here, used the opportunity to call for more religious freedom in the Communist nation.

Hu, also General Secretary of the ruling CPC, noted China's democracy and human rights cause have made "remarkable achievements" since the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially after the launching of the reform and opening-up drive.

The Chinese president, who also hosted a banquet for Bush, called for consultations to properly handle the friction and problems emerging in the rapid development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, saying China and the US will stick to the principle of mutual benefit.

Bush said China needs to do more to open up market for American farmers and businesses seeking access to China's huge market. He also reminded Hu that his government needs to act swiftly and resolutely to stamp out rampant piracy which is badly hurting American businesses.

"I've told President Bush that the Chinese side will intensify the efforts to protect intellectual property rights (IPR) and crack down on infringement. We are ready to strengthen cooperation with the United States in this regard," Hu said.

Bush said he also discussed with Hu the need for China to move faster on the revaluation of its currency, Renminbi, which US companies contend is undervalued.

US President 'off his game'

Beijing: Irked by a reporter who told him he seemed to be "off his game" at a Beijing public appearance, President George W Bush sought to make a hasty exit from a news conference but was thwarted by locked doors.

At the end of a day of meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Bush held a session with a small group of US reporters and spoke at length about issues like religious freedom, Iraq and the Chinese currency.

The final reporter he called on critiqued Bush''s performance earlier in the day when he stood next to Hu in the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square to deliver a statement.

"Respectfully, sir, in your statement this morning with President Hu, you seemed a little off your game, you seemed to hurry through your statement.  Was something bothering you?; he asked.

"Have you ever heard of jet lag?" Bush responded.

"Well, good. That answers your question."