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Clinton's Visit To China De-emphasizes Religious Rights Issues

By Howard M. Friedman

On Friday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton travelling in Asia held a news conference in Seoul, South Korea (full text) as she was about to leave for China. As reported by AFP, human rights activists were upset by her statements that she would not let human rights concerns interfere with U.S.-Chinese cooperation on the economic crisis, climate change and security issues. As Clinton put it:

We know that we're going to press them to reconsider their position about Tibetan religious and cultural freedom, and autonomy for the Tibetans and some kind of recognition or acknowledgment of the Dalai Lama. And we know what they're going to say, because I've had those conversations for more than a decade with Chinese leaders.

Reuters reports today that Clinton ended her visit in China by attending services at a government-approved church. She also spoke with women's rights activists. These activities were aimed at showing Clinton's commitment to civil and religious rights without offending the Chinese government.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on February 22, 2009 (boomark / email).