Associated Press – March 26, 2008
WASHINGTON – President Bush called China’s President Hu Jintao on Wednesday and raised concerns about the crackdown in Tibet, joining a growing chorus of international protests about Beijing’s tough tactics.
The White House said that Bush encouraged Hu to engage in “substantive dialogue” with representatives of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet. The president also called on China to allow access for journalists and diplomats in Tibet.
China’s crackdown in Tibet is in response to the most sustained uprising against Chinese rule in almost two decades – a challenge that has put China’s human rights record in the international spotlight, embarrassing and frustrating a Communist leadership that had hoped for a smooth run-up to the Olympic Games.
The White House has said that Bush would not boycott the Beijing Olympics because of the crackdown, arguing that the games are an event that are supposed to be about the athletes, not politics.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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posted March 26, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Does “W” think that he can influence Hu Jintao? “W” certainly has his policies in Iraq as an example of how to treat folks! Also the fact that George & Dick won’t agree that water boarding is wrong doesn’t set us (the U.S.) as examples of following our public stand on human rights.
China can’t afford to allow the protests to be unchallanged. Their reputation and control are at stake.
posted March 27, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Like anyone is likely to take W seriously!?!?
posted March 28, 2008 at 10:25 am
If that ain’t the pot calling the kettle a kitchen utensil!
posted April 13, 2008 at 4:08 am
Kevin Rudd, the prime Minister of Australia, has told the leader of china this face to face. George Bush has not done this as the leader of the USA.