Chinese President Hu Jintao arrives in the capital this week, but despite worries over China’s expanding international posture and its human rights record, residents shouldn’t expect a lot of protests in the District.
The usual critics of China have taken a low-key approach to Hu’s second visit to the United States. Leaders of the Tibetan opposition have urged their U.S. followers to not stage protests over Hu’s visit. Web sites of the Falun Gong movement, despite their strident criticism of Chinese leadership, also have been quiet.
It’s unclear how much of the silence is brought on by Hu’s conciliatory pose.
Some regard the 64-year-old leader as a reformer. Since taking over as leader of the world’s most populous country almost two years ago, he has promised to improve the lot of his people, cut down on some of the pomp of the ruling Communist Party, and promised “dialogue” with leaders in Tibet and Taiwan.
He also has taken an active role in resolving the conflict over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and has promised to crack down on intellectual property piracy.
That’s all good news to China’s many critics, but not everyone is satisfied.
The D.C.-based group Reporters Without Borders last week blasted a new set of media laws in China that the organization claims stifles dissent. The group lists China as one of the most repressive regimes on Earth.
