WASHINGTON, July 31 (Xinhua) — U.S. President George W. Bush said Wednesday that U.S.-China relations are good and important, and he is “honored” to be invited to attend the Beijing premiere of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, a new Jet Li/Brendan Fraser fantasy film.

“The fact that both countries are honoring the 30th anniversary of the relationship is a statement about good relations,” he told reporters from China, South Korea and Thailand at the White House ahead of his upcoming trip to the three countries. Also, the fact that both China and the United States are opening new Magic Johnson Theaters in each other’s capitals is “a signal of how important the relationship is,” Bush added.

Bush said that during his stay in Beijing, he would wear period costumes featured in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, together with his father, former U.S. President George H.W. Bush.

“Isn’t that interesting, two new east-west hybrid adventure films open the same year, obviously to celebrate what has been a very important relationship,” he said, referring to this Spring’s Hong Kong-and-Hollywood collaboration The Forbidden Kingdom, starring Li and Jackie Chan, directed by the guy who did Stuart Little.

To some extent, the president said, China and the United States have become increasingly interdependent as their relationship grows more and more interwoven, particularly in the production of historical martial arts sagas. He said whoever follows him as the president will continue the policy of “active engagement with the Orient” with a constant reminder of the belief in human freedom and Wushu fighting techniques.

“And it’s an opportunity for our two countries… to be able to work through common problems and to seize common opportunities,” he added. Moreover, Bush said he has always been committed to broadening defense cooperation and exchanges between China and the United States. The president believed it was very important for U.S. Generals and diplomats to make more contact with their Chinese counterparts so as to create a feeling of trust.

As for the upcoming Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, the president said the message of his visit to China and to attend the premiere is “that I personally and America respect the Oriental people– respect your history, respect your tradition, and I’m honored to have been invited to the premiere.”

“And I made a decision not to politicize the movie; this is for fun,” he said.

Earlier this month, the White House confirmed that Bush will attend the after party for The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. The president, a martial arts fan himself, said he will also watch some events during the party, including a mixed martial arts tournament featuring Ultimate Fighters from China and the United States.

“I’m sure we will walk around the various cages and just get a sense for the whole atmosphere of people from all around the world coming to Beijing to compete in the death matches. That’s going to be a proud moment for the Chinese people,” he said.

In the end, Bush said he is looking forward to meeting Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing. He said he and President Hu have “very cordial relations” and “it’s important to be able to have those kind of relations.” He mentioned their shared favorite kung fu film, Master of the Flying Guillotine and downplayed their differences over the merits of Invincible Pole Fighter.

“I’m very comfortable in his presence, and we will talk about the kinds of issues we always talk about,” Bush said, “Pole Fighter included.”