China rebuffs Bush over rights criticisms

BEIJING – President Bush arrived here Thursday night to a fresh blast from the Chinese authorities over his rebuke of their human rights practices, as he prepared to join other world leaders at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reacted sharply to Bush’s broad critique this week of China’s imprisonment of dissidents, suppression of religious liberty and curtailment of free speech. “We firmly oppose any words or acts that interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, using human rights and religion and other issues,” spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement.

Bush has made clear that he disapproves of the lack of liberty in China, but he made his strongest remarks in Bangkok earlier Thursday, before arriving on Chinese soil. Bush has indicated he does not desire to embarrass the Chinese authorities; he says he is here to cheer on U.S. athletes and to show his respect for the Chinese people.

Bush began his first full day in Beijing this morning by helping dedicate the new U.S. Embassy complex. The festive affair featured traditional Chinese drummers and a mini-concert by the Gatlin Brothers, country singers who are longtime friends of the Bush family.

Bush did not back away from the remarks he made in Bangkok but offered his views more gently: He told the audience of U.S. and Chinese dignitaries that “we strongly believe” that societies that allow a “free expression of ideas” tend to be the most peaceful and prosperous. Bush said the two countries have built a constructive, cooperative and candid relationship: “Candor is the most effective where nations have built a relationship of respect and trust.”

Bush was joined here by his father, former President George H.W. Bush, who served in 1974 and 1975 as the chief U.S. liaison officer to China.