Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Bush: 'Deep Concerns' on Rights in China

President lands in Beijing for opening ceremonies

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 7, 2008 8:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Bush landed in Beijing today for the Olympics’ opening ceremony, but not before outlining his “deep concerns” about human rights in the Chinese regime. “America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents, human-rights advocates, and religious activists,” Bush said in a speech in Bangkok hours before boarding the plane.

He spoke out, he said, "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.'' A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry decried the interference. "We resolutely oppose any words or actions which interfere in the internal affairs of another country in the name of issues such as human rights and religion." More than 40 Olympians signed an open letter to the Chinese government urging respect for human rights and freedom of religion, the Guardian reports.
 

President Bush delivers a speech at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.
President Bush delivers a speech at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush delivers a speech at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.
President Bush delivers a speech at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush wave to well-wishers at a military airport in Bangkok Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008 as they leave for China.
U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush wave to well-wishers at a military airport in Bangkok Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008 as they leave for China.   (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Olympic Boycott Is a 'Cop-Out': Bush Adviser

Clinton to Bush: Skip Olympics

House Speaker Calls on Bush to Snub Olympic Ceremonies

Bush Readies Salvo on China's Rights Record

Bush Meets 5 China Dissidents Ahead of Games


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne