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| April 7, 2008 |
Statement by Hillary Clinton on Olympics
The violent clashes in Tibet and the failure of the Chinese government to use its full leverage
with Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur are opportunities for Presidential leadership. These
events underscore why I believe the Bush administration has been wrong to downplay human
rights in its policy towards China. At this time, and in light of recent events, I believe
President Bush should not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major
changes by the Chinese government.
I encourage the Chinese to take advantage of this moment as an opportunity to live up to
universal human aspirations of respect for human rights and unity, ideals that the Olympic
games have come to represent.
Americans will stand strong in support of freedom of religious and political expression and
human rights. Americans will also stand strong and root for the success of American athletes
who have worked hard and earned the right to compete in the Olympic Games of 2008.