Bush confronts China on human rights
Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—President George W. Bush laid down some of his harshest criticism against China regarding its human rights record, pressing for “openness and justice” in a speech in Thailand ahead of his planned attendance of the Beijing Olympic Games.
By: IranVNC
Published: Thursday, August 07, 2008
10:48GMT—6:48AM/EST
CHINA – BUSH – OLYMPICS – HUMAN RIGHTS
Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—President George W. Bush laid down some of his harshest criticism against China regarding its human rights record, pressing for “openness and justice” in a speech in Thailand ahead of his planned attendance of the Beijing Olympic Games.
“We speak out for a free press, freedom of assembly, and labor rights not to antagonize China’s leaders, but because trusting its people with greater freedom is the only way for China to develop its full potential,” said Bush. “And we press for openness and justice, not to impose our beliefs but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs.”
Bush has recently come under fire by many human rights groups for his decision to attend the Olympic Games in China and for what they call his soft approach in confronting Beijing’s human rights violations.
Bush added: “The United States believe the people of China deserve fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings.”
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Qin Gang, responded to President Bush’s speech today in a press release, calling for a dialogue with the U.S. to address any human rights concerns.
He said: “As for the disputes between China and the United States on human rights and religious issues, we always stand for dialogues and exchange based on an equal-footing and mutual respect, so as to enhance mutual understanding and minimize disputes,” Xinhua news agency reports.
Qin went on to reiterate the Chinese government’s commitment to protecting the basic rights and freedom of its citizens.
Earlier this week, Bush praised China for its positive effort in dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions and for its part in the six-part talks with North Korea.
Bush has promised not to politicize the Olympics Games while in China. In his speech, Bush said he was attending the Games, despite the outcry by human rights groups, who have called for boycott of this year’s Olympics, to show support for US athletes and “respect” for the Chinese people.
Sources: White House website, Xinhua News Agency, Reuters
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