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Hu leaves on visit to U.S., 4 other countries+(Japan Economic Newswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)BEIJING, April 18_(Kyodo) _ Chinese President Hu Jintao left Beijing on Tuesday for an official visit to the United States, including talks with his counterpart George W. Bush. Hu will first spend a day in Seattle visiting executives at Boeing Co. and Microsoft Corp., both of which are expected to sell more to China amid pressure in the United States to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with China. He then goes to Washington for a meeting with Bush at the White House on Thursday and ends the visit Friday with a speech at Yale University on the rise of China. A government spokesman in Beijing said Tuesday that Hu would take time in the United States to discuss China's human rights record, which the U.S. government criticizes in annual reports. U.S. officials and overseas human rights groups say China punishes too many people for expressing religious or political views. China and the United States differ in their views and actions on human rights, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a press briefing, but added both are "dedicated" to protecting human rights. "Chairman Hu of course will elaborate on China's viewpoints and stances," Qin said. The New York-based advocacy group Human Rights in China sent Bush a letter last Wednesday urging he discuss Chinese censorship and impact of the country's income disparity on social stability. The group also sent Bush a list of human rights cases in China that it believes should get priority. "Human Rights in China respectfully urges you to ensure that these serious human rights concerns are not overshadowed by trade and security issues during President Hu's visit," the letter states. "The rights of Chinese citizens to freely express their views and actively participate in civil society must be promoted and upheld if China is to ensure peaceful development for all." Qin said Tuesday the status of Taiwan would come up during Hu's trip since it is "the most sensitive" issue between China and the United States. Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, while the United States has pledged to protect Taiwan if the island is attacked. From April 22-29, Hu will visit Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Nigeria and Kenya where he will talk to leaders about energy supplies for China's rapidly growing economy. |