Bush pushes for human rights in China
Washington, 11 August (IranVNC)—President George W. Bush said yesterday, that he would be trying to focus on “common areas, like North Korea and Iran” in his talks with the Chinese government, but pledged to continue his push for human rights and religious freedom while in Beijing for the Olympic Games.
By: IranVNC
Published: Monday, August 11, 2008
11:54GMT—7:54AM/EST
BUSH – CHINA – HUMAN RIGHTS – OLYMPICS
Washington, 11 August (IranVNC)—President George W. Bush said yesterday, that he would be trying to focus on “common areas, like North Korea and Iran” in his talks with the Chinese government, but pledged to continue his push for human rights and religious freedom while in Beijing for the Olympic Games.
Speaking during an interview with NBC’s Bob Costas, Bush said America should make an effort to improve human rights in China not by gaining leverage over the country, but by gaining their respect.
“I think you ought to look at the relationship of one of constructive engagement where you can find common areas, like North Korea and Iran, but also be in a position where they respect you enough to listen to your views on religious freedom and political liberty,” said Bush.
Bush has made a strong push to expand religious freedom in China, and has brought up the issue in every meeting he has had with Chinese President Hu Jin Tao while he has been at the Olympics.
President Bush attended a state-sponsored church ceremony in China, which he said it gave him a chance to say to the Chinese people “religion won’t hurt you, you ought to welcome religious people. And it gave me a chance to say to the government. Why don’t you register the underground churches and give them a chance to flourish?”
Sources: White House website
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