China understands U.S. President George W. Bush's postponing his scheduled visit to the three Asian countries of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea because of the current situation, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.

Spokesman Zhu Bangzao made the remark when asked to comment on reports that President Bush has decided to put off his visit to the three Asian countries.

Zhu said that the U.S. side notified the Chinese side of this decision Tuesday night.

The two sides have agreed through consultation that Chinese President Jiang Zemin and President Bush will meet in Shanghai, added Zhu.

(Xinhua News Agency 09/26/2001)