President Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao have pledged to cooperate on a number of issues, including reducing their countries trade imbalance. The two leaders met today (Sunday) at the Great Hall
of the People in Beijing.
At a joint news conference, Mr. Hu said China will take steps to reduce its huge trade surplus with the United States, including currency reforms and increasing efforts to fight violations of intellectual property rights.
Mr. Bush says the United States will continue to work with China to open up markets to American goods and services.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Washington is concerned about reports of a Chinese government crackdown on dissidents ahead of President Bush's visit. Ms. Rice told reporters in Beijing today (Sunday) the United States would strongly raise its concerns with Beijing. She says U.S. officials will seek clarification on the matter, and will make clear -- in her words -- "open societies allow people to express themselves."
Officials in Afghanistan say suspected Taleban insurgents have kidnapped an Indian and three Afghans in the southern part of the country.
Authorities say the four were pulled from their car late Saturday in southwestern Nimroz province.
Afghan officials say the Indian national had been working on a road construction project funded by the Indian government. Two other victims were security guards, and the third was a driver.
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