On July 9, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with his U.S. counterpart George W. Bush in Toyako, Hokkaido.

At the talks, Hu first expressed his gratitude to President Bush, the U.S. government and people for their sincere condolences and generous assistance to the Chinese government and people following the devastating earthquake that struck China's southwestern Sichuan province in May. Hu said with the support and assistance from the international community including the United States, the Chinese government and people are confident and capable of overcoming difficulties and winning an all-round victory in the quake relief efforts.

Bush once again expressed condolences and sympathy over the huge casualties and heavy property losses caused by the devastating earthquake and spoke highly of the swift and effective relief actions by the Chinese government.

Hu said China-U.S. relations have maintained a good momentum in recent years, with the fourth China-U.S. strategic economic dialogue producing positive results. The two countries have engaged in effective cooperation in many fields including trade and commerce, anti-terrorism measures, energy and environmental protection, said Hu. On major international and regional matters such as the nuclear issues concerning the Korean Peninsula and Iran, China and the U.S. have kept up effective communication and coordination, he noted. This conforms to common interests of the two countries and is worth cherishing by both sides. The Chinese leader emphasized the significance of the China-U.S. relationship, as it suits the fundamental interests of both the Chinese and the American people, and serves world peace and development. He suggested that both countries bear in mind the overall development of constructive and cooperative relations and strengthen dialogue, exchanges and cooperation, so as to guarantee a healthy and steady development of bilateral relations.

On the Taiwan question, Hu spoke of the recent positive developments in the cross-Straits situation, especially the resumption of talks based on the "1992 consensus" between the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation. China will adhere to the theme of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, and promote personnel exchanges and cooperation in economy, culture and other fields so as to open up a new prospect for the peaceful development of the cross-Straits relations, he said. Hu emphasized China's adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to the "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, adding that this position will not change. China appreciates the U.S. government for repeatedly reaffirming its adherence to the one-China policy, abidance by the three joint communiqu閟 and its oppositions to "Taiwan independence". Hu expressed hope that the U.S. will continue to follow these commitments and support the peaceful development of the cross-Straits relations.

Bush expressed his pleasure at the improvement of relations across the Taiwan Straits.

On the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Hu emphasized that recently significant progress has been made at the six-party talks, which he said is the result of the joint efforts by all six parties. Hu also cautioned that all parties still have many more things to do in order to truly realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He expressed hope that all parties will implement the remaining actions of the second phase and strive to open up new prospect for the process of the six-party talks and achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula at an early date.

Bush agreed that tangible outcome has been achieved at the six-party talks. He hailed the active role of China in pushing forward the process of the talks, and hoped the second-phase actions would be accomplished in a verifiable manner.

On the Doha Round of trade talks, Hu said China has always paid close attention to and participated in an active and responsible manner in the talks and has maintained an open market, thus fulfilling the obligations following its entry into the World Trade Organization. China is ready to continue its constructive role and work with all other parties to push this round of talks to achieve outcome and improve the international trade regime.

Bush said the U.S. is ready to enhance dialogue and communication with China in the process of the Doha round of talks.

Bush said he is looking forward to attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games with his family and wished the Games a success.

Hu said the preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games are well underway. Hu warmly welcomed Bush to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, saying that his wish to be present at the Games proves the U.S. leader values the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. Hu also appreciated President Bush's repeated reiteration that the Olympics should not be politicized.

Ling Jihua, member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee (CPCCC) and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Huning, member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee (CPCCC) and Director of the Policy Research Office of the CPC Central Committee, and State Councilor Dai Bingguo attended the meeting.