Chinese Sad to See Bush Go

George Bush is leaving office with rock-bottom ratings in the US but he'll be missed by his many Chinese fans, reports the Los Angeles Times. The president—affectionately called Xiao Bush, or "Young Bush"—is credited with helping China's economy blossom with his free-trade policies. Many fear his successor will take a more protectionist line.

Bush's relations with China started off rocky but the countries grew closer in the wake of 9/11. The president's decision not to boycott the Beijing Olympics was received with deep gratitude. "Bush made some mistakes in foreign policy, especially with Iraq, but for the Chinese, he has been a true friend," said a visitor to a Beijing exhibition celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations between the US and China.
(More China stories.)