Press reaction to Wen's US visit

All smiles in New York

Chinese newspapers have applauded Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to the US, saying that it not only strengthened Beijing's influence but also helped define US opposition to any independence moves by Taiwan.

Papers on the mainland and in Hong Kong also praised Mr Wen for helping to defuse tensions over China's huge trade surplus with the US.

But Taiwan's press had mixed feelings about President Bush's remarks on the island's dispute with Beijing.

Close to the people, honest, self-confident and pragmatic, Premier Wen shows his style in Washington.

Wenhui Bao headline - Shanghai

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The huge success of Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to the US fully demonstrates that the international standing and influence of China is advancing day by day, and indicates that China's room for manoeuvre in international politics, especially in relations with the great powers, is becoming greater.

Wen Wei Po - Hong Kong

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It is unrealistic to assume Wen's visit alone will be a cure-all for the trade disputes between China and the United States. However, it raises our hopes that the views the top leaders of the two countries exchanged person-to-person will create a platform to better settle the disputes... It is time to tear down the trade barriers and talk about solutions.

China Daily - China

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The meeting between the Chinese and US leaders yielded important results... The US must... abolish restrictions on Chinese high-tech exports as soon as possible, further strengthen relations with China in economic, trade and other domains, promote the long-term and stable development of constructive and co-operative Sino-US relations and together face every difficult problem faced by humanity in the 21st century.

Ta Kung Pao - Hong Kong

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President Bush's statement marked a delicate hardening of the usual US line that Washington "does not support" independence moves by the island.

China Daily reporter Xing Zhigang

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The most important achievement of the talks between Wen Jiabao and Bush was the US president's statement explicitly opposing Taiwan taking unilateral actions towards independence... No matter what, Bush and Wen Jiabao's meeting was an historic moment in the history of relations between both countries.

China Daily commentator Prof Zhu Feng, Peking University

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By playing the game of balance between the two sides of the Straits, the United States indeed can gain the biggest benefits at a certain time and under a certain condition... The United States should play a constructive role in the process of China's reunification instead of obstructing and even damaging this process.

Renmin Ribao commentator Yu Fei - China

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With Bush's assurance, Beijing may feel some relief despite [Taiwanese President] Chen's provocation... If Chen continues to do and say whatever he wants, he is likely to be regarded by Washington as a 'troublemaker'. So from Beijing's position, the threat from Chen has been reduced whether he is re-elected or not.

The Standard - Hong Kong

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A Bush statement that the US is against any attempt by Taipei to move towards independence or change its status would certainly dishearten Chen [Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian]... But it is sure to be welcomed by an overwhelming majority of the 23 million people of Taiwan, who prefer to preserve the political status quo.

The China Post - Taiwan

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We must call on the US government not to dance to Beijing's evil tune ... If Wen really understands American democracy, and if he still has some conscience, he will understand why the people of Taiwan are unwilling to accept another alien regime that wants to enslave them.

Taipei Times - Taiwan

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We do not understand why the founding spirit of the US nation vanishes without a trace when China exerts slight pressure... The US absolutely must not be deceived by the united front offensive of Wen's soft and gentle words.

Liberty Times - Taiwan

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Although Wen Jiabao repeatedly thanked the US for its position, China did not completely win: The US opposition to a unilateral decision on changing the status quo also applies to containing China.

Tai-Wan Jih-Pao - Taiwan

BBC Monitoring, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.