《2016北京奥运会前布什总统接受中央电视台专访》.doc

2008北京奥运会前布什总统接受中央电视台专访 Interview of the President Bush by Fuqing Yang, CCTV July 30, 2008 Q So thank you very much, Mr. President, for joining us. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir. Q The much anticipated Beijing Olympic Games will be opening in Beijing in just about a weeks time. And you will be attending the Opening Ceremonies on August the 8th. And the Chinese people are very much looking forward to your visit. So, at this moment, what are your expectations for the Beijing Games? And what kind of messages will you bring to the Chinese people? THE PRESIDENT: First message to the Chinese people is, I respect the Chinese people -- respect the history, tradition. And Im coming as the President of a friend, and Im coming as a sportsman. And Im looking forward to the competition. Im looking forward to seeing -- I think Im going to go to the U.S.-Chinese basketball game. I understand Yao Ming is back on the court, and it will be an interesting challenge for the U.S. team. It will be exciting for me to see the athletes compete, and to watch the Chinese fans respond, in this case, to the basketball game. Its going to be exciting. And Im not coming alone. My wife is coming. A lot of my family is coming as well. So its going to be great. Q Okay. You are under a kind of pressure from politicians here in Washington who call on you not to go to Beijing. THE PRESIDENT: Yes. Q But you insist on going. So out of what consideration did you make such a decision? THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, Im under pressure from politicians on a lot of fronts. I mean, this isnt the only issue that I get pressured on. And Presidents need to make their decision based upon whats best, not whats political. And I think its best for U.S.-Chinas relations that I go. I know its important for me to send a clear signal to the Chinese people that we respect them. I tell people that of course weve got differences with China on issues. Theyve got differences with us on issues. But the best way to conduct o