Bush plans firm words for China

Many human-rights groups are criticizing Bush for his plan to attend the Olympics.

Washington Post

BANGKOK, Thailand — President Bush plans today to use some of his bluntest language to date on human rights in China, saying that “America stands in firm opposition” to China’s detention of political dissidents and religious activists, according to a draft of a speech to be delivered here just before he flies to Beijing for the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony.

“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,” Bush planned to say. “And we press for openness and justice, not to impose our beliefs but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs.”

Bush will also say that “the United States believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings,” according to the draft, which the administration released to reporters traveling on the president’s airplane.

Many human rights groups have criticized the president for his decision to attend the Games and for what they call his unwillingness to confront Beijing over a crackdown on dissent and new Internet restrictions in the run-up to the Olympics.

The advocates have been pressing Bush to make a stronger statement while in Beijing about China’s human rights practices or to meet with dissidents. Both scenarios appear unlikely.

Bush has said he is going to the Olympics to cheer on U.S. athletes and to show his “respect” for the Chinese people.

Still, his comments, to be delivered in Thailand several hours before he flies to Beijing, are sure to draw the notice of the Chinese government. It has already bristled over Bush’s meeting with five Chinese human rights activists last week.