Speaking at the formal arrival ceremony for Chinese President Hu at the White House, President Obama used the occasion to remark on the importance of human rights:
“History shows that societies are more harmonious, nations are more successful and the world is more just when the rights and responsibilities of all nations and all people are upheld, including the universal rights of every human being.’’
The NYTimes notes that China is currently holding the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Liu Xiaobo, as a political prisoner. China is also a perennial member of the U.S. State Department's list of "Countries of Particular Concern" for "particularly severe violations of religious freedom."
Here's hoping President Hu's visit includes many more reminders of the importance of religious liberty.
