Bush arrives in Shanghai

Security in Shanghai is at a massive level

US President George W Bush has arrived in Shanghai to attend the annual Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation group summit.

It is Mr Bush's first official visit to China and his first trip outside the United States since the 11 September attacks and he is attending the meeting to drum up support for the international coalition against terrorism and the US-led bombing of Afghanistan.

Obviously, I leave at a very difficult time

President Bush

On Thursday in a meeting attended by US Secretary of State Colin Powell foreign ministers from the 21 member countries agreed a joint declaration which condemns terrorism in all its forms.

Fearful of terrorist attack Chinese authorities have thrown a ring of steel around the conference site with air space restricted and 10,000 police and security personnel and more than 100 road blocks in place.

Air Force One touched down at Shanghai's new Pudong International Airport shortly before 1800 (1000 GMT).

Before setting off on the five-day trip President Bush acknowledged it was a difficult time for him to be leaving.

But, he said: "It's also important for my nation to see that I leave because... international affairs are a still very important part of making the world more safe."

Criticism

The US has been criticised by several Apec members over its actions in Afghanistan.

Malaysia has described the attacks as a mistake, while there is growing concern among senior figures in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, about continuing the support declared by President Megawati Sukarnoputri last month.

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But the statement released by the foreign ministers contained no criticism in it of the US operations, although it does stress that terrorism should be fought through the United Nations.

Endorsement from a region of more than two billion people will help President Bush to present the US actions as part of a global campaign.

During the visit to China President Bush is due to have face-to-face talks with President Jiang Zemin.

Just eight months ago the two countries were at loggerheads over a collision between a US spy plane and a Chinese fighter.

But like many east Asian countries, China is concerned by militant Islam within its own borders and seems willing to support the US in its war against terrorism.