Nancy Pelosi in China

United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is in China and on Monday she toured China's financial capital in a visit focused on environmental issues rather than human rights.   Pelosi took a low key approach as she prepared for meetings in Beijing just days ahead of the 20th anniversary of the 1989 crackdown on the Tiananmen Square democracy protests.

The apparent shift approach dovetails with President Barack Obama's new emphasis on engagement with Beijing, rather than confrontation over its human rights record. Visits by Pelosi and other senior US figures have been aimed at highlighting cooperation between the two countries on a slew of issues.

Speaking to US business figures Monday in Shanghai, Pelosi noted her commitment to human rights issues over the years.  I will continue to speak out for human rights in China and around the world," Pelosi told members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.  "Indeed, protecting the environment is a human rights issue," she said according to a copy of the speech distributed to journalists. "We hope to send a clear message that transparency, accountability, enforcement, and respect for the rule of law are essential if we are to protect our planet," she added.