Monkey Boy urges "religious freedom" in China

[irishgrl]

OMG. WHAT a hypocrite:
Link

Bush to stress religious freedom in China
White Houses urges coverage by state-controlled media

BEIJING, China (AP) -- The White House on Saturday urged China to give wide media coverage to U.S. President George W. Bush's visit and said Bush would press Beijing about religious freedom, trade problems and the need for currency reforms.

Bush arrived Saturday evening in the Chinese capital. He was due to attend a church service on Sunday with his wife, Laura, before meeting with President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders.

U.S. officials have talked with their Chinese counterparts about coverage of Bush's visit by the entirely state-controlled Chinese media, said Mike Green, senior director for Asian affairs on the National Security Council.

"The basic expectation we have -- and we've made it clear to them -- is that they should give the Chinese people an opportunity to hear everything the president has to say on U.S.-China relations, just as we give the American people and the American press every opportunity to hear what President Hu has to say about U.S.-China relations," Green told reporters aboard Air Force One as Bush flew to Beijing.

"It's also important that the world and the Chinese people see that an expression of faith is a good thing for a healthy and mature society," Green said.

U.S. officials said Bush would press China for faster action on trade and currency problems, saying Beijing has failed to live up to a July 21 pledge to move toward a more market-based currency. (Listen as Bush outlines his goals for trade -- 3:36 )

"The fundamental question is whether the Chinese will allow market forces to help drive the movement of their currency," said Faryar Shirzad, deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs.

"Right now, they control it very tightly. And the question is whether they will implement what they said on the 21st, which is to make their exchange rate mechanism more responsive."

"They need to move," Shirzad said, speaking with reporters on Air Force One as Bush flew to Beijing.

China is on track to record a $200 billion trade surplus with the United States this year.

Bush and Hu are to make statements to the press on Sunday but are not expected to take questions. U.S. officials said that was due to objections from the Chinese side.

The administration said Hu has a big stake in making sure Bush's visit is a success.

"For President Hu there probably is no relationship more important in the world than with the United States and with the U.S. president," Green said.

"As China develops its economy, defines its role in the world, it's of critical importance to the Chinese leaders to have good relations with us, and to make sure we are supportive of China's goals, and not opposing them."

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.