In case you haven't heard, recently Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton decided to emphasize financial and economic issues with China and at the same time decided to brush under the rug all of the human rights abuses that China engages in.

Naturally, those of us who think human rights abuses in China are extremely important, are upset.  However, not everyone is upset about that - case in point - Alex Spillius from the UK Telegraph writes, 

HATS off to Hillary. On the last day of her maiden trip in Asia, she was frank about the how hard she would push the Chinese on human rights.

"Our pressing on those issues can't interfere with the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis and the security crisis," she said, adding that Washington "knew what the Chinese were going to say" on the issue.

She went on to emphasise the economic partnership between the US and China, who "are truly going to rise or fall together" and urged the Chinese to continue buying US treasury bonds.

For me, this raises an issue - or shall I say, actually highlights an issue.  What we are looking at is the value of humanity who are being persecuted, tortured in many cases, and abused - versus - the global economy and the importance of money.  I find this interesting, and I'm not the only one.

China Aid is reporting that Congressman Frank R. Wolf was so upset by Hillary's comments that he penned her a letter with his concerns.  Click here to read the full letter.  The letter begins this way...

Dear Secretary Clinton:

I write to share my dismay, also voiced by a number of leading human rights organizations, at your comments during your recent Asia trip indicating that human rights will not be a priority in your engagement with China. These statements come on the heels of the U.S. failing to participate in the United Nations review of the human rights record of China, among other worst offenders. Both are deeply troubling commentary on this administration’s commitment to human rights, and are undoubtedly disheartening for scores of Chinese citizens, including the imprisoned Catholic bishops, persecuted house church leaders and repressed Tibetan Buddhists.

What do you think of Hillary's position on human rights abuses in China?  Please leave us a comment below.  All comments are moderated.

Comments

[Christin]

This is very distressing. How can it be possible for Clinton to think the global economy is more important than human rights? We must pray. As Delirious so aptly put it in their song "White Ribbon Day", "Only God can save our nation now."

[Injane]

What really gets me, but does not surprise me, is that Clinton portrays herself as out to help the common folk, and pushes socialized health care mandatory. Yet here she is plainly stating that economic issues are going to be more important to her than human rights while dealing with China.
Global ecoomic issues?!?!? Come now, she might as well say, "I know you imprison and torture grandmothers, but please keep buying our treasury bonds!!!!"

[Les]

This isn't surprising as the Clintons are not noted for their humanitarian values. But she is an Obama woman, and will probably kow-tow to his every immoral wish and decry.

Way to go Hillary, you consistently disappoint, but, at least you are consistent!

[Nom d'un chien]

Not surprising, the Clintons are well known pro-chinese, Bill campains was partially financed by funds from China.