Another question, please?
Q I'll repeat my question in English.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.
Q It's a pity you still haven't given us —— sorry —— give us a clear question about whether you always use the peaceful settlement. You have never said "peaceful reunification." It's a pity.
PRESIDENT BUSH: We're back on Taiwan again —— (laughter) —— go ahead.
Q This is a question our Chinese people are extremely concerned about.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Yes, I know.
Q Three days ago, during your speech in the Japanese Parliament, you said, the United States will still remember its commitment to Taiwan.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Right.
Q But my question is, does the U.S. still remember its commitment to 1.3 billion Chinese people? (Applause.) Abiding by the three Joint Communiques and three notes. Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you very much. As I said, this seems to be a topic on people's mind, obviously. I can't say it any more clearly, that I am anxious that there be a peaceful resolution that's going to require both parties to come to a solution. And that's what I mean by peaceful dialogue. And I hope it happens in my lifetime and I hope it happens in yours. It will make a —— it will be an important milestone.
And, secondly, when my country makes an agreement, we stick with it. And there is called the Taiwan Relations Act, and I honor that act, which says we will help Taiwan defend herself if provoked. But we've also sent the same message that there should be no provocation by either party for a peaceful dialogue.
Next question. Yes, ma'am. That's not a ma'am; that's a male. Sorry. Actually, I said, yes, ma'am, but ——
Q Now, please let me repeat my question in English. Mr. President, I'm a student coming from the School of Economics and Management in Tsinghua University. As we can see, China and the United States have a bright future in scientific and cultural exchanges. Now —— just now, you have made warm remarks about our universities. So my question is, if possible, do you ——will you be happy to encourage your daughters to study in our university? Thank you. (Applause.)
PRESIDENT BUSH: I'm afraid they don't listen to me anymore. (Laughter.) If you know what I mean. Let me —— first of all, I hope they do come here. It is an amazing country. You know, as I said, I was here in 1975. It is hard for me to describe the difference. It is an amazing transformation. I first saw that in Shanghai, earlier this fall —— or last fall.
They would benefit from coming here, as would a lot of other United States students. I think our student exchange program is very important. I think our nation must be welcoming to Chinese students who would like to go study in America. I think that would benefit the students, but, as importantly, it would benefit American students.
It's so important for people to realize in both our countries that we're dealing with human beings that have got desires and loves and frustrations. Even old citizens like me and the Vice President —— (laughter.)
THE INTERPRETER: I'm sorry, sir?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Even old citizens like me and the Vice President ——(laughter) —— can benefit by spending time getting to know each other. Obviously, there are some issues in our relationship that we don't see 100 percent —— don't have a 100 percent agreement on. But it is so much better to discuss these issues after you get to know a person, as a person.
We're human beings, first and foremost. There are just some important characteristics that are real. And, you know, I talked about my families in my speech. Family is just such an important, integral part of any society. And China has got a grand history of honoring family that is an important tradition, an important part of your culture. And I hope my country, as well, has a ——is known for a strong tradition of family. That's a concept that is not owned by a particular country; it is universal. And when students get to know each other, they learn the universality of many values. And that's going to be important for peace in the world.
Another question?
Q Please let me translate my question in English. Mr. President, I'm a student from Center for International Communication Studies. Younger Bush Neil Bush visited our university just before last Christmas, and he mentioned that there are many Americans, especially politicians, have a lot of misunderstandings about China. So just like —— just as our Vice President Hu Jintao and you mentioned, you all want to make efforts to promote the Sino-American relationship to go ahead smoothly. So my question is, being the President of the United States, what will it take —— some action to promote the contacts and exchanges between the two countries, between the peoples at all different levels? Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, thank you, that's a very good question.
Q Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, first of all, my trip here and my discussion here helps promote —— (applause) —— people in my country are paying attention to my visit here. And it should interest you that I was here in the fall and I'm back here again in the winter —— twice, in a very brief period of time. That should say something about the importance of our relationships.
It's important for our political leaders to come to China. And I know many have, and more ought to come. It's important for the rhetoric, when we describe what we've seen to be accurate and real. And when I go back home, I describe a great nation, a nation that has not only got a great history, but an unbelievably exciting future.
Many people in my country are very interested in China, and many come, as you know. They come to not only see the beautiful countryside, but they come to learn more about the culture and the people. And we've got to continue to encourage travel between both our countries. (gap in feed ——)
In 1975, everybody wore the same clothes. Now, people pick their own clothes. Just look here on the front row, everybody's dressed differently. Because you thought, this is what you wanted. You made the decision to wear a beautiful red sweater. And when you made that decision, somebody made it.
And, in other words, the person, the individual, the demand for a product influences the production, as opposed to the other way around. Recognizing the desires of the individual in the marketplace is part of a free society. It is a part of the definition of freedom. And I see that as the most significant change that I can see, besides the new buildings and all the construction.
But the most important thing is the human dimension of freeing people to decide for themselves. And with that freedom comes other freedoms. So you can understand why the transformation from my memory of 1975 to today is significant. I mean, it is an amazing change —— for the better, I might add.
I'll answer one more question, then I've got to go have lunch with your President. (Laughter.) Yes, sir, in the blue.
Q Thank you, Mr. Bush. Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the last
chance to ask you a question. I have read your autobiography, and in it you wrote about some social problem in the U.S. today, just like the violence in campus and juvenile delinquency, and such as the children in poverty. And we know —— a former schoolmate of our university, Tsinghua, and he studied in USA and was killed last year. And I feel so sad. And I know this kind of crime has become more and more serious in today U.S. As the President, do you have any good plan to improve the human rights today in
the U.S.? Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Sure. Well, first of all, I'm proud to report that violent crime actually is going down. But any crime is too much crime. I mean,
anytime somebody is violent toward their neighbor, it's too much violence. And there's no question, we've got people living in poverty. But, as I mentioned, our government is very generous in the amounts of money we spend trying to help people help themselves. When we all campaigned for office, one of the big debates is how best to help people help themselves.
Foreign policy is an important part of our campaigns, of course —— at least for President. But the American voter really is more focused on domestic politics, what's happening at home, as you can imagine. If the economy is soft,like ours is now, they want to know what's going to happen —— what are you doing about the economy? If the economy's good, then they don't talk much about the economy.
But always we talk about two key issues to address your problem. One is welfare; how do we structure a welfare system that helps people in need, and in my judgment, should not make them dependent upon their government. And the other big issue is education. It's always not only an important part of campaigns, but it's an important part of being —— once you're in office.
When I was the governor of Texas, I used to always say, an educated child is one less likely to commit a crime. As a governor, and now as President, I have spent a lot of time working with members of both political parties to develop an education plan that starts making sure children learn before they just get shuffled through the system.
One of the saddest facts about my country is that there are a significant number of fourth grade students who cannot read at grade level. Imagine a child who can't read in the fourth grade is a child that's not going to be able to read in the eighth grade. And if a child can't read in the eighth grade, it's likely that child's not going to be able to read sufficiently when they get out of high school, and therefore won't be able to go to college. It's a shame in America that that's the case.
So as part of an education bill I managed to get through Congress last year, we've got a significant reading initiative, where we'll work with the states and the local jurisdictions to focus on an education program that emphasizes reading. This year I hope to work with my wife and others on a early childhood development program, so the youngsters get the building blocks to learn how to read.
I'm actually working my way to your question, I promise you. (Laughter.) Because education is the best anti-crime program. It's important to enforce law. It's important to hold people accountable for their actions. It is important to have consistent policy that says, if you harm somebody, there will be a punishment for that harm. But in the best interests for my country, the long-term solution is to make sure the education system works for everybody. And when that happens, there will be a more hopeful future for people, and there will be less poverty, less hopelessness, and less crime.
Listen, thank you for letting me come. God bless you all. (Applause.)
Q I'll repeat my question in English.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.
Q It's a pity you still haven't given us —— sorry —— give us a clear question about whether you always use the peaceful settlement. You have never said "peaceful reunification." It's a pity.
PRESIDENT BUSH: We're back on Taiwan again —— (laughter) —— go ahead.
Q This is a question our Chinese people are extremely concerned about.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Yes, I know.
Q Three days ago, during your speech in the Japanese Parliament, you said, the United States will still remember its commitment to Taiwan.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Right.
Q But my question is, does the U.S. still remember its commitment to 1.3 billion Chinese people? (Applause.) Abiding by the three Joint Communiques and three notes. Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you very much. As I said, this seems to be a topic on people's mind, obviously. I can't say it any more clearly, that I am anxious that there be a peaceful resolution that's going to require both parties to come to a solution. And that's what I mean by peaceful dialogue. And I hope it happens in my lifetime and I hope it happens in yours. It will make a —— it will be an important milestone.
And, secondly, when my country makes an agreement, we stick with it. And there is called the Taiwan Relations Act, and I honor that act, which says we will help Taiwan defend herself if provoked. But we've also sent the same message that there should be no provocation by either party for a peaceful dialogue.
Next question. Yes, ma'am. That's not a ma'am; that's a male. Sorry. Actually, I said, yes, ma'am, but ——
Q Now, please let me repeat my question in English. Mr. President, I'm a student coming from the School of Economics and Management in Tsinghua University. As we can see, China and the United States have a bright future in scientific and cultural exchanges. Now —— just now, you have made warm remarks about our universities. So my question is, if possible, do you ——will you be happy to encourage your daughters to study in our university? Thank you. (Applause.)
PRESIDENT BUSH: I'm afraid they don't listen to me anymore. (Laughter.) If you know what I mean. Let me —— first of all, I hope they do come here. It is an amazing country. You know, as I said, I was here in 1975. It is hard for me to describe the difference. It is an amazing transformation. I first saw that in Shanghai, earlier this fall —— or last fall.
They would benefit from coming here, as would a lot of other United States students. I think our student exchange program is very important. I think our nation must be welcoming to Chinese students who would like to go study in America. I think that would benefit the students, but, as importantly, it would benefit American students.
It's so important for people to realize in both our countries that we're dealing with human beings that have got desires and loves and frustrations. Even old citizens like me and the Vice President —— (laughter.)
THE INTERPRETER: I'm sorry, sir?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Even old citizens like me and the Vice President ——(laughter) —— can benefit by spending time getting to know each other. Obviously, there are some issues in our relationship that we don't see 100 percent —— don't have a 100 percent agreement on. But it is so much better to discuss these issues after you get to know a person, as a person.
We're human beings, first and foremost. There are just some important characteristics that are real. And, you know, I talked about my families in my speech. Family is just such an important, integral part of any society. And China has got a grand history of honoring family that is an important tradition, an important part of your culture. And I hope my country, as well, has a ——is known for a strong tradition of family. That's a concept that is not owned by a particular country; it is universal. And when students get to know each other, they learn the universality of many values. And that's going to be important for peace in the world.
Another question?
Q Please let me translate my question in English. Mr. President, I'm a student from Center for International Communication Studies. Younger Bush Neil Bush visited our university just before last Christmas, and he mentioned that there are many Americans, especially politicians, have a lot of misunderstandings about China. So just like —— just as our Vice President Hu Jintao and you mentioned, you all want to make efforts to promote the Sino-American relationship to go ahead smoothly. So my question is, being the President of the United States, what will it take —— some action to promote the contacts and exchanges between the two countries, between the peoples at all different levels? Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, thank you, that's a very good question.
Q Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, first of all, my trip here and my discussion here helps promote —— (applause) —— people in my country are paying attention to my visit here. And it should interest you that I was here in the fall and I'm back here again in the winter —— twice, in a very brief period of time. That should say something about the importance of our relationships.
It's important for our political leaders to come to China. And I know many have, and more ought to come. It's important for the rhetoric, when we describe what we've seen to be accurate and real. And when I go back home, I describe a great nation, a nation that has not only got a great history, but an unbelievably exciting future.
Many people in my country are very interested in China, and many come, as you know. They come to not only see the beautiful countryside, but they come to learn more about the culture and the people. And we've got to continue to encourage travel between both our countries. (gap in feed ——)
In 1975, everybody wore the same clothes. Now, people pick their own clothes. Just look here on the front row, everybody's dressed differently. Because you thought, this is what you wanted. You made the decision to wear a beautiful red sweater. And when you made that decision, somebody made it.
And, in other words, the person, the individual, the demand for a product influences the production, as opposed to the other way around. Recognizing the desires of the individual in the marketplace is part of a free society. It is a part of the definition of freedom. And I see that as the most significant change that I can see, besides the new buildings and all the construction.
But the most important thing is the human dimension of freeing people to decide for themselves. And with that freedom comes other freedoms. So you can understand why the transformation from my memory of 1975 to today is significant. I mean, it is an amazing change —— for the better, I might add.
I'll answer one more question, then I've got to go have lunch with your President. (Laughter.) Yes, sir, in the blue.
Q Thank you, Mr. Bush. Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the last
chance to ask you a question. I have read your autobiography, and in it you wrote about some social problem in the U.S. today, just like the violence in campus and juvenile delinquency, and such as the children in poverty. And we know —— a former schoolmate of our university, Tsinghua, and he studied in USA and was killed last year. And I feel so sad. And I know this kind of crime has become more and more serious in today U.S. As the President, do you have any good plan to improve the human rights today in
the U.S.? Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Sure. Well, first of all, I'm proud to report that violent crime actually is going down. But any crime is too much crime. I mean,
anytime somebody is violent toward their neighbor, it's too much violence. And there's no question, we've got people living in poverty. But, as I mentioned, our government is very generous in the amounts of money we spend trying to help people help themselves. When we all campaigned for office, one of the big debates is how best to help people help themselves.
Foreign policy is an important part of our campaigns, of course —— at least for President. But the American voter really is more focused on domestic politics, what's happening at home, as you can imagine. If the economy is soft,like ours is now, they want to know what's going to happen —— what are you doing about the economy? If the economy's good, then they don't talk much about the economy.
But always we talk about two key issues to address your problem. One is welfare; how do we structure a welfare system that helps people in need, and in my judgment, should not make them dependent upon their government. And the other big issue is education. It's always not only an important part of campaigns, but it's an important part of being —— once you're in office.
When I was the governor of Texas, I used to always say, an educated child is one less likely to commit a crime. As a governor, and now as President, I have spent a lot of time working with members of both political parties to develop an education plan that starts making sure children learn before they just get shuffled through the system.
One of the saddest facts about my country is that there are a significant number of fourth grade students who cannot read at grade level. Imagine a child who can't read in the fourth grade is a child that's not going to be able to read in the eighth grade. And if a child can't read in the eighth grade, it's likely that child's not going to be able to read sufficiently when they get out of high school, and therefore won't be able to go to college. It's a shame in America that that's the case.
So as part of an education bill I managed to get through Congress last year, we've got a significant reading initiative, where we'll work with the states and the local jurisdictions to focus on an education program that emphasizes reading. This year I hope to work with my wife and others on a early childhood development program, so the youngsters get the building blocks to learn how to read.
I'm actually working my way to your question, I promise you. (Laughter.) Because education is the best anti-crime program. It's important to enforce law. It's important to hold people accountable for their actions. It is important to have consistent policy that says, if you harm somebody, there will be a punishment for that harm. But in the best interests for my country, the long-term solution is to make sure the education system works for everybody. And when that happens, there will be a more hopeful future for people, and there will be less poverty, less hopelessness, and less crime.
Listen, thank you for letting me come. God bless you all. (Applause.)