Bush accepts invitation to Beijing Olympics

[Kadie]

Bush accepts invitation to Beijing Olympics
By Sheryl-Gay Stolberg Published: September 6, 2007


SYDNEY: President George W. Bush said Thursday that he had accepted an invitation from President Hu Jintao of China to attend the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing, a move that is likely to inflame China's critics, who are calling for a boycott of the games to protest human rights abuses in that country.

Hu extended the invitation - reiterating an offer he has made before - during a 90-minute private session with Bush here on the eve of an economic summit meeting of Asian nations. Their talk touched on a range of topics, from climate change to Iran's nuclear ambitions and the recall of Chinese-made toys.

"It was a constructive and cordial conversation," Bush told reporters afterward. "And once again he extended an invitation to me and Laura and our family to come to the Olympics. And of course, I was anxious to accept."

Bush had told aides privately that he would like to attend the 2008 games, but Thursday was the first time he said so publicly. Aides said the president would attend as a sports fan, and not to make any political statement.

But at a time when relations between the United States and China are delicate, the move carries great symbolic significance, said Michael Green, an Asia expert and former Asia director at the National Security Council under Bush.

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http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/09/06/america/06bushB.php?WT.mc_id=rssasia

[shain from kane]

1. Job opening for cleanin' jerk. n/t

[Flabbergasted]

2. He is going to be the javelin catcher. nt

[Betsy Ross]

3. "likely to inflame China's critics"

Why so? *'s attendance is his endorsement of the games in China. His endorsement could be the death knell for the games.