President Bush has urged China to grant more political freedom to its citizens and held up its rival Taiwan as an example of a successful democratic society.
Mr. Bush, in a speech to be given later Wednesday in Japan, says Taiwan has delivered prosperity to its people by "embracing freedom at all levels."
The president says that as the people of China grow in prosperity, their demands for political freedom will grow as well. And he says that once the door to freedom is opened, it cannot be closed.
Mr. Bush is on an eight-day tour of Asia. He is scheduled to meet Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. He will also travel to South Korea for the annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, as well as visit China and Mongolia.
Some information for this report provided by Reuters, AP, AFP.