2008-08-10 13:42:08 -

- Zhongnanhai Compound

Beijing, The People's Republic of China

3:15 P.M. (Local)

PREMIER WEN: (As translated.) Mr. President, welcome to Beijing. I also welcome your family members and other friends from the United States to the Beijing Olympic Games.

I was informed that yesterday you went to see the American athletes in Beijing and you also watched a match played by the U.S. women basketball team. You also spent some time with the beach volleyball players. (Laughter.)

I think this evening the match between the Chinese men's basketball team and the American men's basketball team will capture the attention of people from all over the world..

PRESIDENT BUSH: That's right.

PREMIER WEN: I'm

very happy that you're going to watch the match.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Yes, sir. I'm going with the Foreign Minister. (Laughter.) He's going -- he told me he's going to be yelling there at the top of his lungs. (Laughter.)

Thank you for your hospitality. It's been a wonderful experience being here. I didn't see if you were at the Opening Ceremonies.

PREMIER WEN: Yes, I was there.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, it was fantastic -- really well done.

PREMIER WEN: Yes, the Opening Ceremonies spectacular*.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Unbelievable, yes.

PREMIER WEN: When the U.S. team marched into the stadium I saw that you put back your coat and your suit and then you stood up and cheered for your team.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Yes, sir. I was proud to see them. But I bet you did the same thing when the Chinese team came. (Laughter.)

PREMIER WEN: Yes, yes --

PRESIDENT BUSH: Good.

END 3:18 P.M. (Local)

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