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CNN Live Sunday

President Bush Visits Japan

Aired February 17, 2002 - 18:06   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush has arrived in Tokyo now, on the first leg of his planned three-day trip to Asia. His talks with the Japanese prime minister will likely be dominated by economic matters. CNN's White House correspondent Kelly Wallace is traveling with the president, joining us now bright and early from Tokyo. Good morning to you.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Catherine. Yes, the economy definitely to be a big issue. U.S. officials continue to be concerned about the economy here in Japan, the country's economy in the midst of its third recession this decade. Definite concerns about the impact this could have on the economy back in the U.S., and also the international economy.

So look for President Bush to voice confidence in the Japanese prime minister's efforts to try to reform the banking system and turn the economy around. But the U.S. president also likely privately to nudge the Japanese leader a bit, encouraging him to act and move as quickly as possible.

Now the president's visit starting off on a symbolic note. The president and the first lady, who arrived in Tokyo Sunday afternoon, a short time from now will be visiting the Meiji (ph) shrine, this in honor of the emperor who is believed to have moved the Japanese into the modern era. This shrine was actually destroyed by U.S. bombers during World War II. Some symbolism there, of course. The U.S. president has talked about how the U.S. and Japan were enemies years ago, during World War II, and how now they stand side by side in this global war against terrorism.

Then of course, the two leaders sit down for talks, likely to enjoy that personal chemistry they developed during their first meeting. That was at the presidential retreat at Camp David back in June. U.S. officials believing that the personal chemistry between the two leaders will help deal with some thorny issues; the economy, one of them. Also, the president's comments, as we noted in that report, calling North Korea part of an axis of evil, definite concerns by some here in Japan that that will lead to higher tensions in the region, will also lead to complicate efforts to engage with the North Koreans.

Finally, Catherine, another bit of a contentious issue, the environment. As you know, the president really led to a lot of criticism by rejecting the global warming treaty, negotiated, actually, in this country, the Kyoto treaty. The president saying that treaty would hurt the American economy, that it excludes developing nations. The president offering an alternative of his own a few days ago, voluntary measures, incentives to encourage businesses to curb their greenhouse gasses.

So look for the environment, the war on terror, as well as other issues such as the economy to dominate the talks which should begin a short time from now -- Catherine.

CALLAWAY: Hey, Kelly, speaking of contentious issues, could you consider this trip to Asia for the president a bit of damage control for the axis of evil comment?

WALLACE: Well, certainly U.S. officials would not describe it that way, but definitely. As we've seen, allies all across Asia and Europe very concerned about the president's comments. So U.S. officials believing this is an opportunity for the president to sit down, face these leaders one by one, explain what he meant, what is behind that tough talk, try and calm some of the concerns of allies across the world that the president is going to consult with them, is not going to do anything unilaterally, according to U.S. officials.

But obviously a big challenge ahead. Lots of concerns about the president's tough talk and the impact it could have when it comes to relations with North Korea, Iran, Iraq, and again where this campaign against terrorism will go.

CALLAWAY: All right, Kelly Wallace, traveling with the president in Asia. Thanks, Kelly.

WALLACE: Sure.

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