China's rise irreversible - senior Bush
(cri)
Updated: 2005-11-14 17:30

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush says that China's rise is irreversible and the United States believes the progress is peaceful.

The former president made the remarks at the second seminar on Sino-US relations, the highest level of its kind, held Monday in Beijing.

Former Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen claims that China and the United States should treat differences and sensitive issues appropriately in order to maintain stable bilateral relations.

Qian Qichen says that Taiwan affairs are of key interest to China. China highly praises the U.S. adherence to one-China and recognition of the joint communiqué between the two countries to oppose the independence of Taiwan.

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush attends the four-day event together with California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Vice Chinese Premier Qian Qichen and other Chinese officials.

They will hold discussions on Sino-U.S. relations, Asia-Pacific regional security, energy and sustainable development as well as the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush proposed the bi-annual seminar, first held in the U.S. in 2003.