Bush Refuses to Boycott Olympics

American President George Bush confirmed that he would be attending the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. He brushed aside criticism from human rights activists who are urging world leaders to boycott the prestigious event as a signal of opposition to human rights violations in The Middle Kingdom.

China has come under stinging criticism for clamping down on civil liberties in the past. Much of the spotlight has been on government controls over Tibet and animosity towards the Dalai Lama. More recent concerns have been curtailing of rights of ordinary citizens in voicing criticism of government policies and freedom of online expression.

Bush explained his stance while attending the Group of Eight Summit in Tokyo. He says a planned boycott of the event would be construed as an "affront to the Chinese people" and may actually impede efforts to improve their human rights record through dialogue.

Japanese Prime Minister, Yasuo Fukuda, concurred with Bush. Fukuda has been mindful of Sino-Japanese diplomacy and has been making a more concerted effort than his predecessor to appease the Chinese.

Other prominent global leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel have been vocal about boycotting the opening ceremony of the Olympics hoping the gesture will pressure Chinese authorities to improve their human rights record.