Clinton Ignores Human Rights issues in China

[Ultralite]

Not a surprise. Views change when you're no longer aspiring for the top seat:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090220...siachinarights

Activists 'shocked' at Clinton stance on China rights


Clinton in China Play Video Reuters – Clinton in China


Activists 'shocked' at Clinton stance on China rights AFP/POOL – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton smiles upon arrival at the airport in Beijing. Amnesty International …

WASHINGTON (AFP) – Amnesty International and a pro-Tibet group voiced shock Friday after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vowed not to let human rights concerns hinder cooperation with China.

Paying her first visit to Asia as the top US diplomat, Clinton said the United States would continue to press China on long-standing US concerns over human rights such as its rule over Tibet.

"But our pressing on those issues can't interfere on the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis and the security crisis," Clinton told reporters in Seoul just before leaving for Beijing.

T. Kumar of Amnesty International USA said the global rights lobby was "shocked and extremely disappointed" by Clinton's remarks.

"The United States is one of the only countries that can meaningfully stand up to China on human rights issues," he said.

"But by commenting that human rights will not interfere with other priorities, Secretary Clinton damages future US initiatives to protect those rights in China," he said.

Students for a Free Tibet said Clinton's remarks sent the wrong signal to China at a sensitive time.

"The US government cannot afford to let Beijing set the agenda," said Tenzin Dorjee, deputy director of the New York-based advocacy group.

China has been pouring troops into the Himalayan territory ahead of next month's 50th anniversary of the uprising that sent Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama into exile in India.

"Leaders really need to step up and pressure China. It's often easy to wonder whether pressure makes a difference. It may not make a difference in one day or one month, but it would be visible after some years," Dorjee said.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch had sent a letter to Clinton before her maiden Asia visit urging her to raise human rights concerns with Chinese leaders.

Before she left, State Department spokesman Robert Wood said human rights would be "an important issue" for Clinton and that she would "raise the issue when appropriate."

China has greeted President Barack Obama's administration nervously, believing he would press Beijing harder on human rights and trade issues than former president George W. Bush.

[iguana1]

Kind of hard to push China for anything when we already owe them a couple Trillion and are hoping they will kick in more. Think that could be the real reason?

[Glenn W]

Not sure I understand your point---- are you an advocate spokesman for Amnesty International giving priority over the global economic situation?--- or just looking to conjure up anything negative on the current administration?

[knot for shore]

Kind of hard to push China for anything when we already owe them a couple Trillion and are hoping they will kick in more. Think that could be the real reason?

That's funny. I seem to understand the point here without adding my own agenda in the form of a question. It's a valid statement when you understand from what it is founded from.

[iguana1]

That's funny. I seem to understand the point here without adding my own agenda in the form of a question. It's a valid statement when you understand from what it is founded from.

Sorry if it came off as flip. No agenda other than trying to look at stuff in a serious light in serious times. China bailing on the dollar would be a disaster

[fowlscay]

Could you imagine if it was a GOP Sectary Of State on there 1st visit to China and said F U to the people of Tibet . Katie and the rest of the liberal media would be all over them !!!! I am sure there will be another pass given out . Watch the FOX channel I am sure they will have a different take on it !!!!!
Tommy

[seapower]

I'm pretty sure this is called a "Double Standard". She is a Clinton after all. Can't believe you are suprised by the lack of media coverage. Get used to it, on this entire administration. Not trying to be imflamitory here, it's just as I see it. This new administration is an asnwered prayer for the liberal media and the like. Double standard's automatically will apply. Frank,SeaPower

[Glenn W]

So it would seem you all are more interested in lamblasting Clinton than discussing a policy decision I can only assume you support---- Personally I think Hilary Clinton is the sleaziest hosebag in Washington --- but---- I think she made the right call on this delicate diplomatic matter.

[fowlscay]

No Glenn , I am for the people of Tibet to do there own thing . they don,t need China to tell them what to do . But we do need to be careful with China ,( they have more ants than us) . It is kind of funny that Hillary is kind of like Tom Cruise , I think she is in the closet too . She is really GOP she just has,nt come out yet .

[Glenn W]

No Glenn , I am for the people of Tibet to do there own thing . they don,t need China to tell them what to do . But we do need to be careful with China ,( they have more ants than us) . It is kind of funny that Hillary is kind of like Tom Cruise , I think she is in the closet too . She is really GOP she just has,nt come out yet .

By bad for assuming--- sorry