US takes pragmatic rights approach to China, Russia

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

AFP
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US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday outlined a pragmatic stance toward human rights in China and Russia, countries she calls key to boosting the world economy and non-proliferation efforts.

"Principled pragmatism informs our approach on human rights, informs our approach with all countries but particularly with key countries like China and Russia," she said in a speech on the Obama administration's human rights agenda.

"Cooperation with each of those is critical to the health of the global economy and the non-proliferation agenda we seek, also to managing security issues like North Korea and Iran, and addressing global problems like climate change," Clinton said.

"The United States seeks positive relationships with China and Russia," the chief US diplomat said, adding Washington will engage in "candid discussions" with these countries.

"In China, we call for protection of rights of minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang," she said.

The United States also pushes for the right of people in China to "express oneself and worship freely" as well as for civil society and religious groups to advance their causes within a legal framework, she added.

"With Russia we deplore the murders of journalists and activists and support the courageous individuals who advocate at great peril for democracy," Clinton said.

"With China, Russia, and others, we are engaging on issues of mutual interest while also engaging societal actors in these same countries who are working to advance human rights and democracy," she said.

"The assumption that we must either pursue human rights or our 'national interests' is wrong. The assumption that only coercion and isolation are effective tools for advancing democratic change is also wrong."