Despite the fact that US President- elect George W Bush has referred to China as America's strategic competitor rather than strategic partner, Beijing will adopt a 'wait and watch' approach towards the Bush administration, Chinese diplomats say. "We have taken note of his hawkish comments. However, we are optimistic and will adopt a wait and watch approach towards new US administration since stable Sino-US ties are not only in the interest of both the countries but also in the interest of regional and global peace and stability," a senior Chinese diplomat told PTI in Beijing on condition of anonymity.
He said that the next US President may visit China as early as October, 2001 when China will host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) informal leadership summit. "If everything goes well, we can arrange a state visit by President Bush next year," the official said adding that a Summit meeting between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his US counterpart would go a long way to increase mutual understanding and trust. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan has expressed hope that the Bush administration will continue the policy of engagement with China that has been adopted by the previous US administrations. "We believe after Bush's election, the US' bipartisan China policy will continue. At the advent of the new century, it is of special importance to maintain stability and development momentum of China-US relations," Tang told former US secretary of state Lawrence Eagleberger in Beijing on Friday. Bureau Report