US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson repeated that the US-China
relationship is of prime importance and that China should not be
perceived as an economic enemy.
"I would say that our relationship with China is multifaceted
and it's a very important relationship for the US. And I don't
believe we need to make China an enemy," said Paulson in an
interview taped Friday for "This Week" on ABC and broadcast Sunday.
"The economic relationship is an important part of the overall
relationship," he said.
"If we manage affairs properly on a long-term basis, and if we
manage the overall relationship with China well, it's going to
benefit both of our countries for a long time to come," Paulson
said.
It is essential for both countries to keep up strong economic
ties, said Paulson, who will make his third visit to China this
week as Treasury Secretary.
During the interview, Paulson was upbeat about the US economy,
playing down chances of a possible economic downturn.
"The consumer's strong. Exports have been greater than imports
for quarters running, and they're adding to our growth," the
secretary said.
"We've got a very healthy labor market… Inflation seems to be
contained. But what really makes the difference is that the average
worker is now beginning to feel the benefits. Real income is up 2.1
percent for the average American worker over last year. Thus, I'm
feeling good about the US economy," Paulson said.?
(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2007)