Bush Cites `Deep Concerns' Over Human Rights in China

Hans Nichols and Michael Forsythe Thu Aug 7, 8:54 AM ET

Aug. 7 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush called on China to respect the rights of its citizens in a speech detailing the U.S.'s ``deep concerns'' over religious freedom and human rights in the world's most populous country.

``America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents, human-rights advocates and religious activists,'' Bush said in Bangkok today, speaking to Thai government officials and business leaders to mark 175 years of U.S.-Thai relations. Thailand was the second stop of his three- country tour, centered on watching the Olympic Games in China.

Bush's remarks, made hours before he arrived in Beijing to attend the opening ceremonies of the Games, are unlikely to alter China's policies, analysts said. His attendance has drawn criticism from human-rights groups and Democrats and Republicans in Congress, who say Bush shouldn't honor a government that restricts individual liberties.

``We can scream for a couple of days but it's really not going to have any impact,'' Adam Segal, senior fellow for China Studies at the Council of Foreign Relations in New York, said in a conference call with reporters. ``The speech will not be carried in China.''

Bush said the U.S. doesn't want to antagonize China and praised the ``constructive relationship'' with China on issues such as Taiwan, economic cooperation and negotiations with North Korea that allow the U.S. to be ``honest and direct'' on rights matters.

`Not to Antagonize'

``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,'' he said.

While Bush's comments will ``clearly have a negative impact'' among Chinese leaders, ``over the long term they aren't going to make much difference'' because Bush leaves office in six months, said Elizabeth Economy, director for Asia Studies at the Council of Foreign Relations.

``The United States believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings,'' Bush said, adding that ``ultimately, only China can decide what course it will follow.''

Differences over human rights and religion haven't harmed the countries' relationship while emphasizing those issues are China's ``internal affairs, the Foreign Ministry said.

`Internal Affairs'

``Although China and the U.S. have some differences, facts prove once again that we have a wide-ranging foundation of cooperation and mutual benefit,'' Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said today in a statement on the ministry's Web site. ``On human rights, religion and other differences, we have consistently advocated dialogue and exchange on the basis of mutual respect and equality. We firmly oppose any use of human rights or religious issues to interfere in internal affairs.''

Yesterday Bush told reporters in Seoul that China's restrictions on religious expression were a ``mistake.'' Bush plans to attend church services on Aug. 10 in Beijing.

Bush also said that China's rise means that the country will play an increasingly important role in keeping the peace in Asia.

``A peaceful and successful future for this region requires the strong involvement of both China and the United States -- so America's engagement throughout the Asia Pacific must be purposeful and enduring,'' Bush said.

U.S. Athlete Banned

The U.S. government is meanwhile lodging a protest against a decision by Chinese authorities to revoke a visa granted to Joey Cheek, a U.S. speed-skating champion at the 2006 winter Olympics and founding member of the ``Team Darfur'' lobby group.

``We are disturbed to learn that the Chinese had refused his visa,'' White House Press Secretary Dana Perino told reporters on board Air Force One yesterday. ``We would hope that they would change their minds.''

After Bush gave his speech today, he visited a nonprofit organization in Bangkok for children with HIV/AIDS, and later had lunch with Burmese democracy activists, who are pressuring the military junta that rules Myanmar, formerly called Burma. In his speech, the president called for ``an end to tyranny in Burma.''

Bush also gave interviews to Thai media outlets today that broadcast into Burma, giving the president an opportunity to speak directly to the Burmese people.

First lady Laura Bush visited refugee camps along the Thai- Myanmar border before rejoining the president in Bangkok. The president and his wife are due to arrive in Beijing Thursday evening.

``She's looking forward to the trip and I am looking forward to hearing her report from the trip,'' Bush said last night at an arrival ceremony in Bangkok.

To contact the reporters on this story: Hans Nichols in Bangkok at hnichols2@bloomberg.net ; Mike Forsythe in Bangkok at mforsythe@bloomberg.net .