Far East visits Midwest to talk St. Louis trade hub

Intro:	China's ambassador to the U.S. criticized the United States' sale of weapons to Taiwan in front of Gov. Jay Nixon at the Missouri Capitol.
RunTime:	0:40
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: It was supposed to be about Gov. Nixon's plan to make St. Louis a hub of air cargo transport to and from China.

But the joint press conference turned to a different sale entirely: that of weapons between the U.S. and China's foe, Taiwan.

That arms deal drew Chinese threats of sanctions last week.

Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong (JOE-WIN-JONG) defended his country's position.

Actuality:	ZHOU3.WAV
Run Time:	00:11
Description: "So we hope the U.S. government will take our representations very seriously and will correct that decision and stop selling weapons to Taiwan."

Still, Zhou said these tense relations wouldn't affect China's project with Missouri.

From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Berg.

Intro:	Despite strained relations between the two countries, China's ambassador to the U.S. and Gov. Jay Nixon forged ahead Monday with a plan to make St. Louis a trade hub between the Far East and Midwest.
RunTime:	0:43
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: With Gov. Jay Nixon at his side, Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong (JOE-WIN-JONG) said he supports shipping air cargo between China and the U.S. through St. Louis.

At a press conference in the Missouri Capitol, Zhou said he's confident St. Louis can link the two countries.

Actuality:	ZHOU1.WAV
Run Time:	00:16
Description: "I am confident because it has the strong political will needed from both sides. I am confident because we have seen a solid foundation for further cooperation. I am confident because there are good opportunities ahead."

Chinese and Missouri officials have been talking about the cargo hub for over a year, but Nixon and Zhou offered no specific details about the future of the project.

From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Berg.

Intro:	The Far East and the Midwest met at the state Capitol on Monday to reaffirm support for a St. Louis trade hub, but neither side offered specifics.
RunTime:	0:42
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The Chinese, U.S. and Missouri flags stood together as Gov. Jay Nixon and Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong (JOE-WIN-JONG) said they'd come together on a trade hub in St. Louis.

But Nixon didn't offer any specifics about the idea, only saying the plan would integrate Missouri into a more global society.

Actuality:	NIXON3.WAV
Run Time:	00:10
Description: "The questions and interest here show you how deeply the people of this region are prepared to believe and understand and live in a world that touches all corners of the globe."

The St. Louis trade hub would allow the two countries to ship air cargo through the heart of the Midwest.

China and Missouri have been in talks for over a year, but a concrete timeline has yet to be proposed.

From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Berg.

Intro:	Lambert Airport in St. Louis would be the site of a new trade hub between the U.S. and the Far East if a plan discussed Monday by Gov. Jay Nixon and China's ambasssador to the U.S. takes shape.
RunTime:	0:35
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Missouri's unemployment rate is hovering around 10 percent.

The planned fix: Create a Chinese-U.S. trade hub at Lambert Airport in St. Louis.

Nixon says looking to China will help Missouri's troubled economy.

Actuality:	NIXON1.WAV
Run Time:	00:11
Description: "This is a worthy goal, one that would bring us closer together, create jobs for Missourians quickly, and continue to lay a foundation for long-term economic growth and transformation."

Nixon says Missouri is "uniquely positioned" to compete worldwide.

The Chinese ambassador to the U.S. says a strong political will is what will move the project forward.

From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Berg.