US President George Bush should consider boycotting the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics because of the way China has handled unrest in Tibet, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said.

Bush, who will attend the Olympics, said last week that he would raise his concern about China's human rights record in private talks with president Hu Jintao.

"I think boycotting the opening ceremony, which really gives respect to the Chinese government, is something that should be kept on the table," Pelosi said.

"I think the president might want to rethink this later, depending on what other heads of state do."

China's crackdown on anti-government protests in Tibet in March, which it says were orchestrated by the Dalai Lama, has drawn sharp international criticism and clouded preparations for the Beijing Olympics in August.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she will not attend the opening ceremony. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has left open the possibility that he might not attend.

Asked about Pelosi's suggestion, a White House spokeswoman said Bush views the Olympics as a sporting event and an important opportunity to support US athletes.

"He has also made it very clear that the Olympics will shine a bright light on China regarding a variety of issues," Emily Lawrimore said.

"These games will provide China with an opportunity to put its best face forward."

Pelosi, a California Democrat, said she regrets that China is hosting the Olympics but she is not advocating a US boycott of the games.

"There's a difference between that ceremony and the actual athletic events," she said.

Reuters