President Bush’s arrival in China to attend the Olympics opening ceremony comes on the heals of some pretty harsh words concerning the country’s dismal human rights record. Speaking to a group of students and business leaders in Bangkok, Thailand, Bush said that cooperation with China on economic ties, negotiations with North Korea and relations with Taiwan put the U.S. in “a better position to be honest and direct on other issues,” like human rights.
“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.”
Of course, many are criticizing the President for politicizing the Olympic games, while others are saying he could have sent a stronger message by foregoing the opening ceremonies altogether.
Of course, a presidential boycott of the olympics is simply ridiculous. I believe President Bush is absolutely doing the right thing by bringing attention to China’s restrictions on individual liberty.
So, what is China’s reaction?
Qin Gang, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry said that China has
“consistently advocated dialogue and exchange on the basis of mutual respect and equality [and] We firmly oppose any use of human rights or religious issues to interfere in internal affairs.”
Right! I’m sure the Tibetans would argue otherwise!
Tags: Boycott, China, human rights, liberty, Olympics, President Bush
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August 8, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Richard
It’s nice to hear President Bush speak plainly. And now, can we provide some effective support to Georgia, now they’re openly at war with Russia?
I agree. I’m watching very closely the situation in Georgia and although I believe we must support them, I’m not convinced their incursion into South Ossetia was justified.
August 11, 2008 at 2:09 pm
writerchick
I like it when W speaks out and says what everyone is thinking. Of course, he will escape criticism no matter what he says or does. The response by China was laughable, really laughable.
I refuse to even watch the Olympics this year - that they are being held in China I find quite disgusting, personally.
WC
Me, too, WC. I was glad to hear the President speaking so firmly, and in China’s own back yard, too!
- JOS
August 17, 2008 at 11:04 am
Eric
I was glad to see the president talk tuff to/about the Chinese. I think he would have made a stronger statement by not attending the olympics at all.
Eric,
I disagree about a Presidential boycott of the Olympics. I believe Bush’s attendance gave him the forum to speak so sternly and to actually do it in the region, in the face of the Chinese, speaks volumes. The Olympics are supposed to be apolitical and a country can denounce the actions of a host country, while still supporting its athletes. Remember the U.S. boycott in 1980? How well did that work for us?
- JOS
August 25, 2008 at 9:13 am
Kabonfootprint huma rights research
Thanks for sharing