Posted on 08/07/2008 6:24:11 PM PDT by snugs
The President, First Lady and their daughter Barbra were in Thailand today and then travelled to Beijing China where they will attend the opening of Olympics tomorrow.
Pray for President Bush -- Day 2885
QUOTE OF THE DAY
President Bush Visits Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
One question on the minds of many here in Asia -- and many around the world -- is the future direction of China. I've been fascinated by China since my first trip there in 1975, when my dad was the head of the United States Liaison Office in Beijing. At the time, the country was just emerging from the Cultural Revolution. Poverty was rampant. Bicycles were everywhere, and people were wearing almost identical clothes. It seemed unimaginable that three decades later Beijing would be sprinting into the modern era -- covered in skyscrapers, filled with cars, and home to international businesses, as well as hosting the Olympic Games.
Over the years, America has had complex relations with China. I was determined to set our relationship on sturdy and principled footing. Four goals we've pursued in Asia -- reinforcing our alliances, forming new democratic partnerships, deepening our economic ties, and cooperating on shared challenges -- have given America and our allies valuable new platforms from which to confidently engage China. A peaceful and successful future for this region requires the involvement of both China and the United States. And it's important that America's engagement throughout the Asia Pacific be purposeful and enduring.
China and the United States share important economic interests. The growth sparked by China's free market reforms is good for the Chinese people, who are building a confident middle class with a stake in a peaceful future. China's new purchasing power is good for the world, because it provides an enormous market for exports from across the globe. The key to ensuring that all sides benefits is insisting that China adhere to the rules of the international economic system. So America strongly supported China's accession to the World Trade Organization, where we're able to contest trade practices that we find unfair. I was disappointed that the Doha Round of trade talks has stalled, and the United States will continue to engage China, India, and other nations to help reach a successful conclusion.
America has also established a new strategic economic dialogue with China, where we discuss ways to ensure long-term growth and widely-shared prosperity in both our economies, as well as issues like currency exchange rates and intellectual property rights. Through these discussions and others, we're making clear to China that being a global economic leader carries with it the duty to act responsibly on matters from energy to the environment to development in places like Africa.
America and China have found other areas of cooperation. We're partnering to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. China has played a critical leadership role in the six-party talks. America has also stressed our determination to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait. From the beginning of my presidency, I have stated clearly that America's approach to Taiwan would be based on our longstanding "one-China" policy, our three joint communiques, and our steadfast commitment to the security of Taiwan's democracy under the Taiwan Relations Act. I've also articulated a principle that there should be no unilateral attempts by either side to alter the status quo. And as a result of frank engagement and firm diplomacy, the tensions that once roiled the Taiwan Strait have calmed, and we're witnessing a new period of stability and peace.
Our constructive relationship in these areas has placed America in a better position to be honest and direct on other issues. I have spoken clearly and candidly and consistently with China's leaders about our deep concerns over religious freedom and human rights. 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 China's detention of political dissidents and human rights advocates and religious activists. 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. We press for openness and justice not to impose our beliefs, but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs. As Chinese scientist Xu Liangying has said: "Human nature is universal and needs to pursue freedom and equality."
Ultimately, only China can decide what course it will follow. America and our partners are realistic, and we're prepared for any possibility. I'm 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. Change in China will arrive on its own terms and in keeping with its own history and its own traditions. Yet change will arrive. And it will be clear for all to see that those who aspire to speak their conscience and worship their God are no threat to the future of China. They're the people who will make China a great nation in the 21st century.
This is my last trip to East Asia as President. I have great confidence that Asia will continue to grow in opportunity and achievement and influence. I'm confident because I know the creative and enterprising spirit of this region's people. I'm confident because the forces of freedom and hope that unleashed the transformation of Asia can never be turned back. And I'm confident because I know the bonds between America and our friends in Asia will never be broken.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
Workers cleaning the White House in Washington, while President Bush in out of town in Asia, bring their mechanical lift down, Thursday, August 7, 2008, as a lightning thunder storm moved through the area.
Hi
Hi
President George W. Bush makes remarks at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok August 7, 2008. Just hours before flying to Beijing for the Olympics on Thursday, Bush used some of his bluntest language yet in publicly pressing China to improve its human rights record
A girl greets U.S. President George W. Bush as he visits The Human Development Foundation-Mercy Centre in Bangkok's largest slum, Klong Toey, in Bangkok August 7, 2008
A woman greets U.S. President George W. Bush as he visits The Human Development Foundation-Mercy Centre in Bangkok's largest slum, Klong Toey, in Bangkok August 7, 2008
Nancy Chaimontri gives thanks to President Bush for signing her painting as he visits the Mercy Centre of the Human Development Foundation in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.
President Bush talks with Itthipol Thongjan while looking at his drawing as he visits the Mercy Centre of the Human Development Foundation in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008
President Bush pats the head of Itthipol Thongjan while looking at his drawing as he visits the Mercy Centre of the Human Development Foundation in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.
President Bush poses for a photo with children and staff as he visits the Mercy Centre of the Human Development Foundation in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008. Second from right, in back row is Father Joseph Maier and second left in back row is executive director Usanee Janngeon
President George W. Bush (seated 2nd R) visits The Human Development Foundation-Mercy Centre in Bangkok's largest slum, Klong Toey, in Bangkok August 7, 2008
President Bush watches traditional dancers as he sits with Father Joseph Maier while visiting the Mercy Centre of the Human Development Foundation in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008
President Bush hugs a child after a group of children performed a song during his visit the Mercy Centre of the Human Development Foundation in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.
President Bush makes remarks with activists from Myanmar, also known as Burma, at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008. Left to right are Lway Aye Naing, President Bush, Aung Zaw and Win Min.
President Bush makes remarks with activists from Myanmar, also known as Burma, at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008. Right of the President, speaking, is Aung Zaw.
President George W Bush (left) shakes hands with Myanmar activist Aung Zaw, editor of the Irrawaddy magazine, during a lunch with Burmese activists at the US ambassador's residence in Bangkok on August 7, 2008
First Lady Laura Bush (centre) talks with Karen refugees during a visit to Mae La Refugee Camp on the Thai-Myanmar border on August 7, 2008. Mrs Bush visited a clinic and Myanmar refugees on the border, where more than 120,000 civilians who have fled brutal junta crackdowns on ethnic rebel armies live in cramped camps.
First Lady Laura Bush receives a traditional scarf from a Karen refugee during a visit to Mae La Refugee Camp on the Thai-Myanmar border on August 7, 2008.
First lady Laura Bush, right, looks at her daughter Barbara, left, who is presented with a scarf by a Karen refugee during her visit to Mae La refugee camp in Thailand's Mae Sot town near the Thai-Myanmar border Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.
First lady Laura Bush, left, is led by Dr. Cynthia Maung, right, a Myanmar activist and founder of the Mae Tao clinic which provides free treatment for the sick and wounded Myanmar migrant workers at the clinic office in Mae Sot town near the Thai-Myanmar border Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.
First lady Laura Bush, center top, talks with a nurse at Mae Tao clinic which provides free treatment for the sick and wounded Myanmar migrant workers in Mae Sot town near the Thai-Myanmar border Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008
First lady Laura Bush, center left, is flanked by her daughter Barbara as she talks with a Karen refugees family at Mae La refugee camp in Thailand's Mae Sot town near the Thai-Myanmar border Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008. The camp houses thousands of refugees from Myanmar who fled the economic hardship and widespread persecution. Mrs. Bush with her daughter are in Thailand and are with President George W. Bush for a three-nation Asian tour that included South Korea and China.
I’m here and I got your Freepmail.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.