Bush "Stands Firm" Against China's Abuse

Hours Before Heading To Olympics, President Bluntly Rebukes Chinese Leaders, After Lauding Their Progress And Reforms

(CBS/AP)  With all eyes on Beijing, President Bush bluntly told China that America is strongly opposed to the way the communist government represses its people, a rebuke delivered from the heart of Asia on the cusp of the Olympic Games.

In perhaps his last major address in Asia, Mr. Bush said that America speaks out for a free press, free assembly and labor rights not to antagonize China's leaders, but because it's the only path the potent U.S. rival can take to reach its full potential.

"America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents and human rights advocates and religious activists," Mr. Bush said.

"We press for openness and justice not to impose our beliefs, but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs."

The Chinese government responded quickly, saying "outsiders should not interfere in its affairs," ratcheting up the political tension on the eve of the Games' opening ceremonies, reports CBS chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China and the United States have divergent views on human rights and religions issues, but said Beijing firmly opposed "any words or acts" that used those issues to interfere in other countries' internal affairs.

Along with his chiding, Mr. Bush offered praise for China's market reforms and hope that it will embrace freedom, reflecting the delicate balance that the president seeks to strike with the potent U.S. rival.

"Change in China will arrive on its own terms and in keeping with its own history and its own traditions. Yet change will arrive," he said.

Mr. Bush delivered his message in Thailand hours before departing for his Olympics-centered visit to Beijing. He arrived in China Thursday evening, becoming the first U.S. president to attend Olympic Games on foreign soil.

Mr. Bush plans to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday night and go to a series of sporting events through Monday, including U.S. basketball and baseball games against China.

International studies professor Zhu Feng, of Peking University, told CBS News correspondent Jeff Glor that Mr. Bush's remarks were firm, but measured. "I have to say he is very careful in his wording and the word selection."

Heading eagerly on Thursday to the Beijing Olympics himself as a sports fan, Bush faced pressures all around: a desire not to embarrass China in its moment of glory, a call for strong words by those dismayed by China's repression, and a determination to remind the world that he has been pushing China to allow greater freedom during his presidency.

But his message was noted in China, which has already knocked Mr. Bush for intruding in its affairs by hosting Chinese dissidents at the White House ahead of the games.

"The leadership in Beijing will almost certainly find his comments irritating or objectionable," said Sophie Richardson, the Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch. "But they will clearly understand that the United States will not impose any real consequences if they do not make progress on human rights."

For months Bush has taken heat from critics over his decision not to boycott the opening ceremonies in Beijing, reports Axelrod. Aides have maintained that attending the ceremonies would give Mr. Bush the moral authority to speak clearly to Chinese leaders.

Bush and China's president Hu Jintao should have plenty of chances to discuss the issue, reports Axelrod. Their paths will cross at least three times in the next four days.

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 checked and searched - a departure from normal diplomatic protocol, reports Axelrod.

CBS 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.

Seeking an event scrubbed free of protest, China has rounded up opponents and slapped restrictions on journalists, betraying promises made when China landed the hosting rights.

At least two women who have protested being evicted from their homes ahead of the Olympics were rounded up and taken to a police station, amid ramped up efforts Thursday by activists to use the games to spotlight their causes.

Zhang Wei and Ma Xiulan, who have been vocal about the pain of losing their family compounds near Tiananmen Square to make way for Olympic construction, were taken from their homes late Wednesday and early Thursday morning, according to Ma.

Also Thursday, a second protest by three Americans in Tiananmen Square was stopped by security agents, including at least one plainclothes police officer, who blocked the group from view with umbrellas before grabbing their arms and leading them away.

Another group of foreigners, pro-Tibet activists, were detained Wednesday after climbing up lamp poles outside the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, and putting up banners proclaiming "Free Tibet."

Two of the four detained activists from Students for a Free Tibet - both of them British - were deported to Frankfurt, Germany, group spokesman Matt Whitticase said Thursday.

The other two, Americans Phill Bartell from Denver, Colo., and Tirian Mink from Portland, Ore., were also deported and en route to San Francisco on Thursday.

Meanwhile, U.S. Olympic gold medal speed skater Joey Cheek had his invitation to the Beijing Games torn up at the last minute, presumably for his outspoken stance as founder of "Team Darfur," a group of athletes that raises awareness of the plight of refugees in Sudan.

"Less than 24 hours before my flight was to take off, I got a call," Cheek told CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. "When I asked for a reason for revoking my visa, they said they weren't required to give one. So I really couldn't tell you why."

"We've at times been critical of the Chinese government's involvement in Sudan, and I think rightfully so. We have been adamant from the very beginning that every athlete has to follow the absolute letter of the law for the IOC rules and Chinese laws. I've never advocated any sort of radical extreme views. We think athletes should have the right to be able to talk about issues around the world."

Foreigners who protest Beijing's human rights record or official policy of atheism on Chinese soil normally face deportation.

Chinese who demonstrate would face detention and hours of questioning by police, at the very least.

The arrests and detentions were part of stringent security measures for the games by Chinese communist authorities determined that the Olympics should be an international showcase for the country.

With the world's eyes turned on Beijing in anticipation of the games, which start Friday, activists have stepped up their protests to publicize their causes. The groups so far have been small and police have acted with relative restraint. No arrests were reported although the Beijing Olympics organizing committee condemned the demonstrations.

[brianbwb-2009]

"America stands in firm opposition to China''s detention of political dissidents and human rights advocates and religious activists," Mr. Bush said.

Yet Bush presumes unto himself the "right" to lie, invade and occupy other countries, torture and murder any who resist, suppress domestic opposition, and steal from the treasury in the process.

Pretty sure the Chinese are having a very good laugh over thin clown.

[haoli25]

How do you say **** in Chinese?

The rest of the world ignores this r e t a r d, so will the Chinese.

[Michael Arnold]

Idiot.

Worst president ever --and probably ever will be.

[andor3]

yes sadly Bush (and thanks to Bush, America0, has no moral high ground to claim or authority to criticize. The world laughs at GWBush and all of us now thanks to his policies.

Someone ask Bush when and what terms change will arrive in America? Because make no mistake, it IS coming.

[wcreader]

It seems that it is a political talk by Bush.
We all believe that it is important to respect (regardless of one''s color, race, ***) the basic right of every human being. However, Is THE human right really being abuse and so bad in China compare to other countries? or is just some special interested group to use empty human right slogan to demonize China? One can observe, in the past 30+ year, China has change so much. If it is that bad, how come thousand if not million of Chinese visitors and students can freely to visit London, SF.. Hong Kong? If education is that bad, why our media reported in earlier that "there are more (more than the whole population of US) Chinese students learning English in school? In fact, As many other countries, China is not perfect, yet, it is moving in the right direction, would it be wonderful to for all to communicate with mutual respect and to improve together. I think Olympic is a good platform to achieve that.

[neoconrcrazy]

as bush "stands firm" regarding china - he, and U.S., are actually standing on quicksand.

we''re in hock to the chinese for trillions and have given them a strong card in any confrontation.

china has become our creditor, and we, their debtor.

[skeezix06]

Bush. What an idiot.

On the other hand, I don''t know that we''re much better. Although I''m not one of the guilty parties, he got enough votes to get a second term in spite of the mess he made of his first term.

[oneworldusa]

Leave it to Bush to try and steal thunder from the Athletes and potentially put American tourists at risk.

[airboatboy]

If 80% of Americans think Georgy Boy is a joke you know what the rest of the world must think. Thank God this retired drunk is about done!

[haoli25]

It''s okay, the ''Chinese Water Torture'' is now called the ''Chinese Aggressive Interrogation''.

[nextgenman]

And China responds with, "Abu Ghraib" and "Guantanamo".....

[neoconrcrazy]

remember the time when we, as a Nation of principles before interests, were a paradigm of the World ?

now we have become under bush & henchmen an untrusted paradox, a Nation of words without weight.

[neoconrcrazy]

""Thank you for greeting me," Mr. Bush told the children who greeted him in a courtyard with drum music. "


now I''ll read you from my favorite book; My Pet Goat
and then I''ll murder you, just like the iraqi children.....

[n8yvn29]

This clown (Bush) has the nerve to criticise China for the way it treats its dissidents: He and his cronies throw people out or have them arrested for wearing t-shirts with slogans he doesn''t like (at his speeches), has people arrested on felony charges for protesting outside the protest pits his storm troopers set up, tortures or kills prisoners, etc. What a hypocrite!

[scully152]

IF he is against the abuse then WHY is he going to the olmpics and supporting China?

[obama441]

And China responds with, "Abu Ghraib" and "Guantanamo"..... Posted by nextGenMan and Blackwater aka the Gestapo,waterboarding,

[timdgrim]

America stands in firm opposition to China''s detention of political dissidents and human rights advocates and religious activists," Mr. Bush said.
"but ya''ll keep that cheap chi*k cr*ap coming to Amurica...my corporate buddies are gittin'' richer and richer. I''ve got me a whole bunch of WalMart stock and I can''t wait to count my money when I git back to the ranch. And if you need some oil, got you covered, just talk to my Veep, Di*kie boy..we''ll git you set up. Ya''ll got any of that chow from Maine?"

[cfin5]

China responded later Thursday, saying no one should interfere in other countries'' internal affairs.........Uhmmmm, OK! I can go for that. Leave Tibet for starters.

[shameonbush]

Oh my goodness, this feels weird, I actually agree with Bush this time. I''m glad that Bush mentioned it, now if only he''d apply those words towards himself.

[jmurrieta1]

China''s control of dissent sounds an awful lot like what was done with demonstrators at the New York Repug convention 4 years ago, now doesn''t it?

Maybe the Bushites should be looking in a mirror when they condemn human rights abuses.

[tapsettle]

How dare this man, a leader presiding over torture and detention without trial, lecture anybody on human rights? It should be the rest of the world lecturing HIM but unfortunately they are mostly frightened gutless hypocrits, rather like the current members of congress.

[pollroller1]

Well I feel much better now after Mr Bush made that wonderful speech. I guess he told them by golly.

[herunar-2009]

As a Chinese student, I''m glad that Mr. Bush criticized our country. As Americans should know now, this man never gets it right.

It would be better if Bush justed faded away.

[idnnsg]

"Hours Before Heading To Olympics, President Bluntly Rebukes Chinese Leaders, After Lauding Their Progress And Reforms"

Let''s clarify that by putting it in chronological order:

First, Bush praises China''s "progress and reforms".
Then, Bush "bluntly rebukes" China''s leaders.
Then, Bush flies off to China to kiss their a$$es.

It kind of makes my head spin, just reading it!

[tapsettle]

Bush has reduced america to a laughing stock. On the same day his kangaroo court convicts a driver of war crimes, based almost entirely on confessions extracted from him by torture, Bush chides another country on human rights. If congress ever gets a backbone maybe they will impeach Bush et al so the US can get some respect back.

[jmurrieta1]

"Bush "Stands Firm" Against China''s Abuse"


Whereas Dik Cheney didn''t know that high blood pressure could cause his ED.

[kretos_d]

death to baby killer bush

[alphonsoc]

Freedom is often difficult to appreciate!

"Bop early and bop often"
-Alphonso Carponzo
Your Bops count!
http://www.bop-o-rama.com

[hasher471]

In private meetings President Hu Jintao and President Bush will probably be discussing "Advance Interrogation Techniques" :-0

[hasher471]

In honor of it''s protagonist, all references to Water Boarding will be change to Water Bushing.

[obama441]

China responded later Thursday, saying no one should interfere in other countries'''' internal affairs.........Uhmmmm, OK! I can go for that. Leave Tibet for starters. Uhmm leave Iraq

[formrusmcsgt]

"America stands in firm opposition to China''s detention of political dissidents and human rights advocates and religious activists," Mr. Bush said.
----
This while hundreds remain jailed and not even charged under US rule.....

How utterly absurd.

[pirmin3]

"This while hundreds remain jailed and not even charged under US rule....."

Blatant American hypocrisy on sooo many levels and Joe Dumba$$ voter votes for more of the same. The dumbing down of Amerika is truly complete.

[dmhphils]

"This while hundreds remain jailed and not even charged under US rule....."

Blatant American hypocrisy on sooo many levels and Joe Dumba$$ voter votes for more of the same. The dumbing down of Amerika is truly complete.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by pirmin3 at 07:51 AM : Aug 07, 2008

Give us a break, you twit!

[chimpyout]

I have evidence showing that Bush is actually a misunderstood "beacon of liberty" in the USA.
And I''ll prove it as soon as his Heimatssicherheitsdienst (TSA) at the airport gives me back my laptop. They said they''d only keep it a couple of months and that I shouldn''t mind if I had nothing to hide.

[leftyintexas]

DUMBYA strikes again! Hahahahaha!

[itgranny]

Kind of like the pot calling the kettle black huh?

Knowingly taking us to war over false evidence, killing what''s probably over 1,000,000 iraqi''s and over 4100 american soldiers. No bid contracts. Warrantless wiretaps. That raid taking those FLDS kids could have been stopped by federal authorities if they gave the word. Even the elections are a little fuzzy.

The scary part of where this country is going is that no one is willing to stand up to bullies like bush and cheney and tell them they need to follow the rules too and do something about it when they don''t. We keep looking the other way and each time it gets a little worse and they get cheekier because we aren''t willing to do anything about it.

Like vaccinations, impeachment would mean a little bit of pain but then it will help protect the individual and society in general. Even the prospect of McCain would be a little more palatable if they had done something about the shady stuff the Bush admin. has pulled because the next would be more willing to stay well inside the legalities. I''m afraid we''ve left ourselves vulnerable to a free for all. Our rights are being whittled down to nothing just like the chinese.

[neoconrcrazy]

bushman stands firmly only in the mountain of ***** he''s managed to create in 8 long years;

wonder why 200''000 foreigners gathered in berlin to hear obama?

because, despite all the misguided bush policies and dead people left in their wake, the world still believes America can prevail. they know the American people can decide to change direction - return to their founding principles.

let''s hope their hope becomes our reality.

[dudeky]

BUSH DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO STAND ANYWAY FIRM OR OTHERWISE......CANNOT WAIT TILL HE IS OUT OF OFFICE ONLY WISH HE WAS LEAVING OUR COUNTRY FOR GOOD..CAUSE HE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT BAD.....

[neobrian-2009]

How About The Shrub`s Abuse of Our People ?
Talk about Total Re-Con Hypocrisy !!!

[neobrian-2009]

1-20-09 NEW National Holiday

[emelder]

Not working that day!

[hhroams]

RIGHT, BUSH STANDS FIRM-HE IS FIRMLY INTO IGNORANCE.
HE DIDN''T EVEN PROTEST WHEN AT THE LAST MINUTE THE CHINESE REFUSED TO ALLOW ONE OF OUR OLYMPIC ATHLETES INTO THE COUNTRY TO COMPETE.

THEIR THOUGHT POLICE THOUGHT THAT HE MIGHT PROTEST THE PLIGHT OF THE TIBETIANS--SO THEY JUST SAID NO.
OLE DUBYA DIDN''T EVEN OPEN HIS MOUTH---THEY HAVE HIM BOUGHT JUST LIKE THE SAUDIS.

[emelder]

This should help the Cowboy President get a warm reception on his goodwill tour to the Olympics (sarcasm)! He just doesn''t have a clue does he?

[xmanborg]

Bush the IDIOT !

[emelder]

The only thing left for W to do would be to wear the same kind of mask our clueless cycling team wore at Beijing airport. Might as well totally offend the hosts!

[liberalme]

Good ole King of the world, master of the universe, all knowing, appointed by God--George Bush.

Bushie and his shrubs "press for openess and justice" what a crock--

These world leaders ridicule him as being foolish, perhaps the reason we haven''t been attacked again is because these guys know Bush is doing more damage to the US than they could!

An insult to mankind.

[boatdocster]

Bush, the biggest abuser of Constitutional and human rights in the history of the U.S.A. aproaches the podium to give a speech on China''s abuse of human rights.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!

[txlakeside]

The shrub is a 2 faced liar and dumb as dirt! Bad Chinese, Bad Chinese, on with the games!

Do like millions of people world wide are going to do and boycott the games. Bush should be ashamed for going! But big business has more a pull on his actions than compassion. Do not watch them on TV and send a clear message to big business that "FREEDOM" is more than a "terror" alert!