Bush should hit Hu hard on human rights

President Bush appears to be learning a few important lessons during his lame duck tenure. His visit to the Olympic Games in Beijing, which officially get under way Friday, is a case in point.

Many encouraged Mr. Bush to boycott the spectacle in protest of China’s atrocious record on human rights and religious freedom and its trade and environmental policies. But Mr. Bush; his wife, Laura; and his parents, George H.W. and Barbara Bush, will attend the opening ceremonies and at least four days of the Games.

Mr. Bush has already visited China more than any other president. His father was once a U.S. ambassador there. The president’s attendance is a sign of respect for the growing Asian superpower.

Is this the same “us or them” President Bush who, until last month, refused to talk to Iran?

While meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Mr. Bush should strongly object to the regime’s human rights record and suppression of dissidents. He should use the platform to persuade China to abandon its support of repressive regimes in Myanmar, Sudan and Zimbabwe and its suppression of Tibet. And he should make a point of publicly attending the church of his choice.

As the leader of the free world, Mr. Bush can make strong statements during his Olympics visit while the rest of the world is watching.

Here is a chance for Mr. Bush to shed the shackles of “cowboy diplomacy” and have a positive impact on foreign affairs.