President Bush is performing a delicate diplomatic dance as he leaves for his first trip to Asia since his re-election.
Last week, Bush hosted the Dalai Lama — one of China’s archenemies — at the White House, where they discussed the continuing plight of Tibet.
But the visit was not put on the president’s advance public schedule and no journalists were invited in to record the moment, The Washington Post reports.
The meeting was intended to send a signal about Bush’s commitment to human rights in China, but the administration kept the session quiet to avoid insulting his soon-to-be hosts in Beijing.
Bush made it the mission of his presidency to promote freedom and democracy around the world, but when it comes to the 1.3 billion people living under communist rule in China, Bush and his administration seem more animated by economic and security issues, the newspaper said.
Economics is the main thing now, said James R. Lilley, ambassador to Beijing under President George H.W. Bush. Democracy for China? Don’t hold your breath.
