At Yale, Hu says China will form democracy

Hu answered only those questions that had been submitted in writing.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) -- China will make its own decisions on political freedom and human rights and not simply copy the model of Western countries, President Hu Jintao said Friday as he wound up his U.S. tour.
With protesters against his Communist rule kept several blocks away, Hu told students and faculty at Yale University that differences between China and the United States can be overcome by cooperation and their shared desire for peace.
But when asked whether his country's restrictions on political expression would cause unrest and hinder its economic growth, he said China was committed to democracy but had no plans to simply import other countries' policies.
"On one hand, we are ready and willing to draw on the useful experience of foreign countries into political involvement," he said. "On the other hand, we will not simply copy the political models of other countries." The question was one of a couple that Hu answered from among those submitted in advance in writing.
It was the last appearance by Hu on his four-day tour of the United States. On Thursday, he had met with President Bush in the White House.
More protesters
Several blocks away, hundreds of protesters on the City Green waved signs and shouted anti-government slogans.
"When you get within 5,000 yards of one of these bigwigs, I think it's your responsibility as a human being to try and tell them something," said freshman Edwin Everhart, 19, coordinator of Amnesty International at Yale.
Pro-government demonstrators also waved signs, some reading: "Warmly Welcome Chairman Hu Jintao to the United States" and "Bring China-U.S. relations closer."
Yale President Richard Levin met privately Friday morning with Hu, but like the Chinese leader's earlier welcome in Washington, not everything went as planned.
A CNN reporter was thrown out of the ceremony after he shouted a question about whether Hu had seen the protesters gathered on the City Green. Yale spokeswoman Helaine Klasky said the reporter was thrown out because he was invited "to cover an event, not to hold a press conference."
Yale, President Bush's alma mater, has long had ties to China.
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