World | Other World Stories
Hu says China stands by Olympics pledges as internet curbs lifted
President Hu Jintao said China would stand by pledges made when it was awarded the Olympics as Games officials deflected fire over internet censorship on Friday by lifting restrictions.
- Reuters
- Published: 00:04 August 2, 2008
- Chinese President Hu Jintao gestures as he answers journalists during a group interview at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.
- Image Credit: Reuters
Beijing: President Hu Jintao said China would stand by pledges made when it was awarded the Olympics as Games officials deflected fire over internet censorship on Friday by lifting restrictions.
Hu told a select group of reporters that the Games, one week away, would have an enduring benefit for China and leave a positive "spiritual legacy".
"The Chinese government and the Chinese people have been working in real earnest to honour the commitments made to the international community," the normally media-shy Hu, who doubles as Communist Party chief, said.
Hu's comments came as both China and the International Olympic Committee were under fire from critics who say neither has lived up to pledges the country made to improve its rights record and lift internet censorship for the Olympics.
On hegemony, he said: "For long time, China has made it very clear to the whole world that China pursues a military policy that is defensive in nature, and will never seek hegemonism, and will never pursue a expansionist road."
Hu appealed to keep politics out of the Olympics. "I don't think that politicising the Olympic Games will do anything good to addressing any of the issues. At the end of the day, such an attempt will also undermine the Olympic movement."
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Philippine massacre probe focuses on Arroyo ally
Arroyo vows justice for the victims and declares a national day of mourning
-
Italian PM gets 'Rockstar of the Year' title
Magazine hails Berlusconi's lifestyle
-
What drives Africa's new kind of refugees?
Warming-driven factors have led many in the continent to flee their homes
