Taipei, July 5 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Thursday he thinks that U.S. President George W. Bush's planned visit to mainland China in late October will have a positive impact. "Nevertheless, I hope that Bush's meeting with mainland Chinese President Jiang Zemin during the visit will not result in any adverse change or retrogression in relations across the Taiwan Strait," Chen added.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Edwin J. Feulner, chairman of the Heritage Foundation, a noted U.S. think tank.
Chen told his guest that he looks forward to seeing Bush adhere to the thinking and practice adopted in handling cross-strait affairs over the past half year. "And I'm hopeful that Bush will take advantage of his October mainland trip to help crack open the long closed door for cross-strait dialogue," Chen said.
Stressing that peace in the Taiwan Strait is critical to Asia-Pacific regional stability and security, Chen said the top leaders of the two sides of the strait should sit down to talk to ensure permanent cross-strait peace. "The top leaders on both sides should hold constructive talks under no preset stances on conditions and jointly work for mutual benefits and well-being," Chen added.
Touching on Taiwan's preparations for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Chen said the Republic of China has finalized all preparatory work. "We expect to be admitted to the world trade body simultaneously with mainland China before the end of this year," Chen said.
In response to Feulner's question about his view on Beijing's bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games, Chen said as the spirit of the Olympiad lies in pursuing world peace, Taiwan would be pleased to see Beijing win the right if it can host the event in line with this Olympic tradition.
Chen further said any country which would not renounce the use of force or the threat of the use of force would violate the ultimate Olympics' spirit and purpose.
Chen also reiterated his desire to attend the annual informal leadership meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum scheduled to be held in Shanghai in late October. "As an APEC member, we are both entitled and obligated to attend its meetings and activities," Chen explained.
APEC, a regional forum dedicated to promoting free trade and investment, is one of the few international organization that admits both Taiwan and mainland China as full members.