In China, Clinton Says Human Rights 'Can't Interfere' With Talks

Madam Secretary Clinton stated today that human rights issues will not be on her agenda during her visit to China. While agreeing that China needs to be pressed on these issues, Clinton stressed that the global financial crisis must be her focus. These remarks met with heavy criticism from groups like Amnesty International. There's no doubt that human rights are a vital topic in China, but I think Secretary Clinton is correct to put them on a back burner for the time being. Sometimes slight appeasement is necessary in order to achieve cooperation on other matters; at this point, trying to fix the financial crisis should be at the top of everyone's list.