President Bush Calls for Human Rights in China

BANGKOK (Catholic Online) - "I have spoken clearly, candidly, and consistently with China's leaders about our deep concerns over religious freedom and human rights..." the President of the United States will say in a significant speech concerning human rights in China scheduled for Thursday.

"And I have met repeatedly with Chinese dissidents and religious believers.... The United States believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings.... So, America stands in firm opposition to Chinas detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates, and religious activists."

These are a few of the frank words contained in the draft of the speech released by the Whitehouse before the President even left for China.

Many consider the content to be quite strong for a speech to be delivered on the eve of the Olympic Games being held in Beijing, China. It will be delivered outside of China, in Bangkok.

However, others have criticized the President's decision to attend the games at all. The President opted to do so but to speak with this kind of clarity in the first available venue on the subject of human rights.

On Wednesday, the President echoed similar concerns over China's Regime as he met with the South Korean President. His words were candid. He noted that his concerns for China have been expressed before:

"My message has been the same... You should not fear religious people in your society as a matter of fact, religious people will make your society a better place that you ought to welcome people being able to express their minds...And to the extent that people aren't able to do that and people aren't able to worship freely is, you know, I think is a mistake."

The draft of the speech which will be given on Thursday addresses other fundamental human rights in addition to religion. The President will say, "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. And we press for openness and justice not to impose our beliefs, but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs."

"Ultimately, only China can decide what course it will follow... America and our partners are realistic, and we are prepared for any possibility. I am optimistic about China's future. Young people who grow up with the freedom to trade goods will ultimately demand the freedom to trade ideas, especially on an unrestricted Internet."

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