Bush ‘optimistic’ about China but voices ‘deep concern’

President Bush, ahead of a visit to China, expressed optimism about the country’s future but also stressed that the U.S. has “deep concerns over religious freedom and human rights.”

Bush, who is in the midst of a swing through Asia, with a pinnacle stop at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing, discussed China extensively in prepared remarks that he was to deliver in Thailand on Thursday.

{mosads}“Ultimately, only China can decide what course it will follow,” Bush plans to say. “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.”

The president added that “change in China will arrive on its own terms and in keeping with its own history and traditions. Yet change will arrive.”

In the meantime, Bush noted that China must do more on human rights.

“America stands in firm opposition to China’s detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates, and religious activists,” he plans to 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.”

Bush will also tout growing cooperation between the U.S. and China on numerous fronts, such as working together on economic issues and China’s participation in the diplomatic effort to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.