Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – President Hu Jintao has invited his US counterpart, George W. Bush to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games that will take place in Beijing next summer. The central government hopes that this may develop into an official meeting between the two leaders.
Commenting about the invitation, diplomatic sources said the participation of the American president would contribute to making the Olympics an event of huge global significance.
President Bush has not yet given an official reply however he has thanked Hu Jintao through diplomatic channels. If he accepts, it will be his third trip to the country.
The President of China is doing his utmost to make the Olympics in Beijing an affair to remember. He believes that the success of the event could add luster to the country and confirm China’s development at international level. Bush alongside Jintao could be seen as a symbol of China’s growth and his presence may come in useful to rein in protests against the Communist government and boycotts.
President Hu would like to stabilize frequent meetings with Bush to build closer ties between the two countries.
Other leaders have been invited to the ceremony, like Emperor Akihito, who was invited last month by Premier Wen Jiabao during the latter’s visit to Japan.
