Bush said he viewed the Games as a ‘sporting event’ and that China's close ties with Sudan, where human rights violations are taking place in the Darfur region, would not affect his stance.
Bush backed the Games after the resignation this week of Hollywood director Steven Spielberg's from his role as artistic adviser to the Beijing Olympics. Spielberg had been brought in as artistic adviser for the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Games, but said his conscience over the Darfur issue would not allow him to continue in the role.
China has expressed its ‘regret’ at Spielberg’s decision. China's foreign ministry said it hoped for ‘dialogue’ with those who did not understand Beijing's policy in Sudan.
