Actions Speak Louder than Words

The States Department has affirmed that officials will not be critical of China's human rights violations in upcoming talks. The Chicago Tribune reported today that "administration officials are not expected to voice any concern over the detention and harassment of scores of activists targeted as a direct result of President Bush's recent visit to China."

As Tom Malinowski of Human Rights Watch pointed out, if Bush wants China to take the U. S. seriously on human rights issues, the administration has to follow up words with actions. The U. S. needs to honor its principles, promises, and threats if it expects to be respected internationally.