"I'm always inspired by acts of courage, and I'm having lunch with courageous people," he said.

Bush's speech had been expected to feature Myanmar, but contained only a brief - though blunt - mention of the reclusive nation that initially resisted outside aid after the cyclone. Its leaders reluctantly agreed while imposing tight restrictions on international aid agencies.

One of the world's poorest countries, Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962, and the latest junta came to power after brutally crushing a pro-democracy uprising in 1988. Mass street demonstrations, led by Buddhist monks, were again put down last September.

"Together, we seek an end to tyranny in Burma," Bush said, calling for the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners. "We will continue working until the people of Burma have the freedom they deserve."

In perhaps his last major address in Asia, Bush said America speaks out for a free press, free assembly and labor rights not to antagonize China's leaders, but because it's the only path the potent U.S. rival can take to reach its full potential.

"America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents and human rights advocates and religious activists," Bush said. "We press for openness and justice not to impose our beliefs, but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs."

As balance, Bush also offered praise for China's market reforms and hope that it will embrace freedom.

"Change in China will arrive on its own terms and in keeping with its own history and its own traditions. Yet change will arrive," he said.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, speaking before flying to Beijing, also urged the international community "to speak with a strong and united voice" to maintain pressure on China over human rights, though he conceded Beijing's record has improved.

"Remember, it was not all that long ago they were in the middle of the Cultural Revolution with people getting put up against a wall and basically knocked off," he told Nine Network television.

Bush urged North Korea to live up to its promise to dismantle its nuclear weapons, adding, "The United States will continue to insist that the regime in Pyongyang end its harsh rule and respect the dignity and human rights of the North Korean people."

About 25 people around the convention center where Bush spoke welcomed him. But a Muslim group shouted "Bush, get out. God is great" as the presidential motorcade passed. The protesters handed out leaflets saying "George Bush is a war criminal."

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