BEIJING, JUNE 28: From the sanctuary of China's largest Protestant church, US President Bill Clinton today called for more religious freedom in China, saying Chinese and Americans were ``brothers and sisters as children of God''. In a country where Clinton's very attendance at church highlighted the quest for religious freedom, he said, ``I believe our faith calls upon us to seek unity with people across the world of different races and backgrounds and creeds.'' He spoke in the simple sanctuary of Chongwenmen Church, built in 1904, to serve the American community in Beijing.Soon after the service, Clinton and Hillary visited Beijing's majestic Forbidden City. America's First couple toured the massive complex of 9,999 buildings crowned with upcurling Chinese roofs in the centre of the Chinese capital. The couple appeared wonder-struck as they began their one and a half hour tour of the maze of palaces which was once the political and social heart of China's empire. Meanwhile, American officials applaudedChina's willingness to broadcast yesterday's exchange between Clinton and Jiang across the land from the temple-dotted capital of Tibet in Chinese Central Asia to the flashy financial centre of Shanghai at the mouth of the Yangtze river.
Clinton and Jiang treated China to an uncensored airing of differences on human rights, freedom, trade and Tibet. The leaders eagerly jumped in after each other to get the last word. It was spirited but cordial, and neither leader was reluctant to emphasise differences.
The exchange was also telecast in America, but for the Chinese, it was special an unprecedented look at their leader standing side by side with the American President, both men unflinching on areas of controversy and disagreement. Many Chinese expressed satisfaction with the summit and the televised appearance. ``For us Chinese, it really is new to see two Presidents speaking face-to-face, with reporters asking questions, on live television,'' said Andrea Yang, an insurance company employee in BeijingButClinton's critics back home weren't so happy with his performance.``He reduced it to a disagreement. It's more than a disagreement,'' said Republican representative Chris Smith, who chaired a hearing on human rights in China on the eve of Clinton's welcome in Beijing. Democratic representative Nancy Pelosi, a longtime critic of Clinton on China, said he treated the massacre around Tiananmen Square as a ``historical episode''.
It was the Chinese President who credited his counterpart with taking a tougher stance. ``I think President Clinton is a strong defender of American interests, and I am a strong defender of Chinese interests,'' Jiang said.``But despite that, we still can have very friendly exchanges of views and discussion.'' Switching languages, he added in English, ``And I think that is democracy.''
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
