In China, Bush pushes freedom of speech, religion
Saturday, 9 August 2008
BEIJING, August 8 (Reuters): President George W. Bush wasted no time on Friday raising the touchy issues of religious freedom and free speech in China, hours before he was to attend the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Despite criticism by China for meddling in its internal affairs, he used the dedication of a new American embassy in Beijing to drive home his point that freedom of speech was the best way to promote prosperity and peace.
"We continue to be candid about our belief that all people should have the freedom to say what they think and worship as they choose," he said at the embassy dedication, a 10-acre ultra-modern complex.
"We strongly believe societies which allow the free expression of ideas tend to be the most prosperous and the most peaceful," Bush said a few hours before a lunch hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao for foreign leaders.
Despite criticism by China for meddling in its internal affairs, he used the dedication of a new American embassy in Beijing to drive home his point that freedom of speech was the best way to promote prosperity and peace.
"We continue to be candid about our belief that all people should have the freedom to say what they think and worship as they choose," he said at the embassy dedication, a 10-acre ultra-modern complex.
"We strongly believe societies which allow the free expression of ideas tend to be the most prosperous and the most peaceful," Bush said a few hours before a lunch hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao for foreign leaders.