Rumsfeld denies US foreign policy split

Protesters attacked US missile defence plans

By US State Department correspondent Jon Leyne

The United States Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has denied any differences between himself and Secretary of State Colin Powell over the direction of American foreign policy.

Are you trying to find some daylight between Colin and me?

Donald Rumsfeld answering reporters

Mr Rumsfeld was speaking at a news conference given by the two ministers in Australia where they are both attending talks.

It came two days after Mr Powell declared in Beijing that China was a friend - a description Mr Rumsfeld declined to repeat.

The news conference is believed to be the first time the two leading figures in US foreign policy have shared a podium since the start of the Bush administration.

Donald Rumsfeld (l) and Colin Powell: Who has the upper hand?

Questioners used the opportunity to explore possible differences between Mr Rumsfeld, known to be one of the administration's leading hard-liners, and Mr Powell, who is seen as more moderate.

The moment was ideal, as policy towards east Asia is one of the most divisive issues facing the administration.

Different language

Donald Rumsfeld repeatedly denied any divisions between them, but used very different language. He described China as an authoritarian system and a communist dictatorship.

Powell's warm personality has gone down well with Asia's leaders

Mr Rumsfeld was asked whether he shared Mr Powell's view expressed in Beijing at the weekend, that China was a friend of the United States.

Mr Rumsfeld avoided the phrase, saying only that the relationship was multi-faceted.

Donald Rumsfeld went on to endorse Mr Powell's offer of talks with the North Koreans - another issue that reportedly deeply dividees the Bush administration.

Still learning

"Do you agree on all aspects of US foreign policy, then?" Mr Rumsfeld was asked.

"Everything," he joked, "except those few cases where Colin is still learning" - an answer that produced a good-natured burst of laughter from Mr Powell sitting next door.

Mr Rumsfeld's reply won't convince everyone in Washington, but for the moment it does appear that Colin Powell has the upper hand in matters of foreign policy.