BANGKOK, August 6, 2008 (AFP) - President George W. Bush is 'optimistic about China's future,' the US leader will say Thursday on the eve of the Beijing Olympics, according to an advance copy of his speech.

While noting that the United States is opposed to China's detention of dissidents, rights activists and others, Bush says that criticism is not to 'antagonise' the Chinese leadership.

'I am optimistic about China's future. Young people who grow up with the freedom to trade goods will ultimately demand the freedom to trade ideas, especially on an unrestricted Internet,' he is to say.

'Change in China will arrive on its own terms and in keeping with its own history and traditions. Yet change will arrive.'