KYOTO, Japan (CNN) -- U.S. President George W. Bush has told Beijing's leaders that it is in their interests to promote greater freedom in the world's most populous nation.

Speaking to media in Japan Wednesday, Bush said China's leaders should not fear a free society.

Saying that regions became better off and more stable as democracy spread, the president said, "What I say to the Chinese is ... a free society is in your interests."

-janelane, *faints*