![]() It was a repackaging of principles Bush has stated before, but given the timing, the president was clearly answering critics who fear his presence legitimizes China's conduct.Ĭhina takes enormous pride in hosting the games, as any nation would. In a major speech in Thailand, he said the United States firmly opposes the way China stifles dissent and admonished the communist country to trust its people with freedom. Questioned in South Korea about China's crackdown on human rights, Bush flatly called it a mistake. In the midst of a farewell trip to Asia, Bush tried to offer a stand against China's repression and dispense with the issue at the same time. Then he thought about that for a second and reversed the order, saying pride in U.S. "The reason I'm going to the Olympics is twofold: one, to show my respect for the people of China and two, to cheer on the U.S. president to ever attend an Olympics on foreign soil when he soaks up the splendor of Friday's opening ceremony. White House aides insist he will fill it by attending athletic events.īush's presence is a precedent. Yet if there is a hidden agenda in the president's visit, it is the open space on his weekend planner. ![]() In four days in Beijing, Bush will confer with Chinese President Hu Jintao, meet other Chinese leaders and call for greater religious freedom. Politics, at least peripherally, have always been part of the Olympics. Meanwhile, as a sign of heightened anxiety and security on the part of the Chinese, and perhaps even some pettiness, the plane carrying White House staff and reporters landed and was then held on the ground for three hours while the plane's luggage was inspected - a departure from normal diplomatic protocol, reports Axelrod.ĬBS News was also told that even Bush's luggage off Air Force One was held up for a couple of hours before being allowed to leave the airport and be delivered, though it was not searched. Their paths will cross at least three times in the next four days. Bush the moral authority to speak clearly to Chinese leaders.īush and China's president Hu Jintao should have plenty of chances to discuss the issue, reports Axelrod. Aides have maintained that attending the ceremonies would give Mr. After Bush said the United States firmly opposed China's repression, the Chinese government responded quickly, ratcheting up the political tension on the eve of the Games' opening ceremonies, reports CBS chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.įoreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang admonished Bush, saying "We firmly oppose any words or acts that interfere in other countries internal affairs, using human rights and religion and other issues." He also said the Chinese government is dedicated to promoting basic rights, and that "Chinese citizens have freedom of religion.These are indisputable facts."įor months Bush has taken heat from critics over his decision not to boycott the opening ceremonies in Beijing, reports Axelrod.
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