. Pub Date: Feb 22, 2002
Pub: ST
Page: A1
Author: JASON
Headline: Bush gives Jiang a hand at question time
By: Jason Leow, Straits Times China Bureau
Page Heading: Asia
Caption:
Despite some tough questions, the smile was not lost on President Jiang who participated in a joint news conference with President Bush at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday.
Related Stories:
Jiang, Bush warm up to new era of closer ties

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The US President comes to the aid of his Chinese counterpart, who is questioned by a reporter about religious freedom BEIJING - A question about religious freedom in China almost sent Chinese President Jiang Zemin into an embarrassed silence, when he twice avoided answering it from an American reporter.

The question was pointed, even rude by Chinese standards, and it could be perceived as intended to embarrass the Chinese leader.

'President Jiang, if I may, with respect, could you explain to Americans who may not understand your reasoning why your government restricts the practice of religious faith?' asked the reporter.

'In particular, why your government has imprisoned more than 50 bishops of the Roman Catholic church,' he pressed on, at a press conference yesterday by President Jiang and United States President George W. Bush.

The press conference, held at the Great Hall of the People, was part of Mr Bush's final leg of a visit that earlier took him to Japan and South Korea, where he drummed up support for his anti-terrorism efforts.

Mr Jiang was also asked if China would support a change of regime in Iraq with 'all necessary means', and this question was met with the same stony silence.

In the first instance, Mr Bush came to his aid, volunteering to go first with his answers and giving Mr Jiang some breathing space.

But when pushed a second time to offer a response, Mr Jiang relented, but not before attempting to charm his audience with some self-effacing remarks.

'President Bush, he has much more experience than I. When it comes to meeting the press, I think President Bush is much more experienced. I will do my best to answer your question,' the Chinese leader said in English for a touch of savviness.

Political observers praised Mr Jiang for saving the day - and his public image - by not fobbing off sensitive questions.

But they also found his 'performance' not up to scratch, noting that he did not seem as relaxed or confident as he did at last year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.

The occasion, however, was unlikely to tarnish his image, as the two-day visit to Beijing, which ends today, is supposed to be Mr Bush's show, they noted.

Critics were more likely to watch him, rather than the Chinese leader.

But at least one scholar found Mr Jiang's response on religious freedom unsatisfactory.

He had said some Chinese religious followers were detained not because of their faith, but because they had broken the law.

Even as President, he could not interfere in such 'judicial affairs, because of judicial independence', he added.

In response, the scholar, who asked not to be named, argued: 'Political observers are not going to be convinced. It is counter-intuitive to speak of judicial independence in China.'

But he added sympathetically: 'He could have been more persuasive, but then, our leaders are not used to winning over public opinion with persuasive arguments.'

EYE-TO-EYE What United States President George W. Bush and Chinese President Jiang Zemin agreed on: More dialogue To further advance constructive and cooperative relations. Also to intensify high-level strategic dialogue and contacts between various agencies at all levels. Such dialogue will increase mutual understanding and trust; Bilateral exchanges President Jiang urged such exchanges to be 'vigorously'' carried out in areas such as economy and trade, energy, science and technology, environmental protection, prevention of HIV/Aids and law enforcement; Fight against terrorism Step up consultation and cooperation based on reciprocity and mutual benefit; On differences Act in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and seeking common ground between both sides Taiwan question China stressed its basic position of peaceful reunification and 'one-country-two-systems' approach.

The US emphasised its respect for the 'one China' principle and adherence to the three Sino-US joint communiques.