Portions of Bob Costas‘ interview with current U.S. President George Bush during last night’s Olympics broadcast.
George Bush: That’s true.
Costas: With an abysmal human rights record. In the long run, is China’s rise irreconcilable with America’s interest?
Bush: No, in the long run America better remain engaged with China and understand that we can have a cooperative and constructive yet candid relationship. It’s really important for future presidents to understand the relationship between China and the region and its important to make sure that America is engaged with China even though we may have some disagreements.
Costas: You met with President Hu Jintao not just at the Opening Ceremony, but privately since then. Did you press him on the full array of American concerns? Human rights, press freedom, Tibet, China’s support of rogue regimes like Sudan and Myanmar?
Bush: And North Korea and Iran.
Costas: It was all on the table?
Bush: Oh absolutely every time. Every time. But you’ve got to understand something Bob. I don’t need the Olympics to advance America’s agenda. I’ve met with Hu Jintao a lot since I have been the President and listen we agree with them on a lot of things and we disagree with them on things, and that’s the way the relationship is going to be. It needs to be as I mentioned constructive and cooperative.
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Costas: If these Olympics are as successful as they are shaping up to be, most people believe this only further legitimizes the ruling party in the minds of most Chinese citizens. And even absent true liberty as we understand it, the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese people are much better than they once were. Therefore, what’s the party’s incentive to reform?
Bush: Well first of all, if you are a religious person you understand that once religion takes hold in a society it can’t be stopped. And secondly I think the Olympics are gonna serve as a chance for people to come and see China the way it is, and let the Chinese see the world and interface and have, you know, the opportunity to converse with people from around the world. This is very positive development in my view for peace. You know, who knows how China’s going to progress. They have been through some very difficult political times, the Cultural Revolution for one, where the leadership actually created violent anarchy as the society turned on itself. All I can tell you is it’s important for the United States to be active in this part of the world, with all countries, and to stay engaged with China.
Costas: Moving away from China for just a second, during the Opening Ceremony, we saw you conferring with Vladimir Putin. We now know that you were talking about the conflict that had erupted that day between Russia and Georgia.
Bush: That’s true.
Costas: Now Georgia is a former Soviet Republic that is sympathetic to the West and that is attempting to embody many Western values. But just as you need China, you need Russia strategically around the globe. You’ve got to walk a fine line. What did you say to Putin?
Bush: I said this violence is unacceptable. I not only said it to Vladimir Putin, I said it to the President of the country, Dmitry Medvedev. And my administration has been engaged with both sides in this, trying to get a cease-fire, and saying the status quo for all troops should be August 6th. Look, I expressed my grave concern about the disproportionate response of Russia. And we strongly condemn bombing outside of South Ossetia. It was just interesting to me that here we are, you know trying to promote peace and harmony, and we’re witnessing a conflict take place.
…Costas: China is a nation that warmly received Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, who has since been indicted by the International Court on charges of genocide. Then, this past week they revoke the visa of Joey Cheek, an exemplary Olympian who had planned to come here not to directly protest China’s government, but to call attention to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. What’s your reaction?
Bush: My reaction is I’m sorry Joey Cheek didn’t come. He’s a good man. Joey Cheek’s just got to know I took the Sudanese message for him. My attitude is if you’ve got relations with Mr. Bashir, think about helping us solve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. That was my message to the Chinese government.
