KYOTO, Japan (CNN) -- U.S. President George W. Bush is pushing China to grant more freedoms to its people, citing Taiwan as an example of a successful Chinese democracy.In remarks released from a speech to be delivered later Wednesday in Japan, Bush urges Chinese leaders to allow more freedom in their country, including the right "to worship without state control.""Modern Taiwan is free and democratic and prosperous. By embracing freedom at all levels, Taiwan has delivered prosperity to its people and created a free and democratic Chinese society," Bush will say according to an advance text released by the U.S. White House."By meeting the legitimate demands of its citizens for freedom and openness, China's leaders can help their country grow into a modern, prosperous and confident nation," Bush will say."In the 21st century, freedom is an Asian value because it is a universal value."President Bush is due to arrive in China on Saturday, after attending the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Busan, South Korea with leaders of 20 other countries in the Pacific Rim.On the first leg of his eight-day trip to Asia, President Bush will meet Wednesday with one of his strongest allies in the region, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, to discuss the continued deployment of Japanese troops in Iraq and the possible realignment of U.S. forces stationed in Japan.In his keynote address in Kyoto Wednesday Bush will also salute Japan, South Korea and Taiwan for building "free and open societies."Trying to strengthen America's influence in Asia in the face of China's rising economy and military might, Bush will say China's determination to strengthen its economy must be accompanied by more freedoms for its people, The Associated Press reports."As China reforms its economy its leaders are finding that once the door to freedom is opened even a crack, it cannot be closed. As the people of China grow in prosperity, their demands for political freedom will grow as well," the speech will say.By talking about Taiwan, Bush is raising an issue that has been a major U.S.-Chinese irritant.Taiwan, 160 kilometers (110 miles) off China's southern coast, split from the mainland when nationalist leaders fled there in 1949 during China's civil war. Since then, Beijing has threatened repeatedly to use force against the self-governed island that China claims as its own.The island has had de facto independence for more than 50 years, largely because of American support.While saluting Taiwan's progress and urging China to take more steps, Bush stresses that the United States is not changing its official policy that there is one China -- including Taiwan -- or its position that there should be no unilateral attempt to change the status quo by either side, AP reports.In his speech, Bush also pushes China to open its economy to international competition to narrow the expected $200 billion trade surplus with the United States, according to the AP. (Trade deficit sore point)Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Wednesday agreements between the U.S. and China outnumbered the differences."The Chinese people talk about human rights every day," Li told Hong Kong Cable TV. "Everything we do is for improving the people's livelihood, that includes guaranteeing the people's property rights, political rights and cultural and education rights and democratic development rights."Japanese troops in Iraq"China needs to provide a level playing field for American businesses seeking access to China's market," Bush will say, adding that China must fulfill its promise to move towards a more market-based currency. While in Japan, Bush is expected to press close ally Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to stand by his controversial decision to send Japanese troops to participate in the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.About 500 Japanese troops remain, and Bush is expected to ask Koizumi to keep them on the ground at least through Iraq's elections in December.The two leaders are also expected to discuss the possible redeployment of some of the 53,000 U.S. troops now stationed in Japan. Some local communities, particularly in the southern island Okinawa, have been pressing to move the U.S. bases.Another likely topic of conversation between the leaders is a Japanese ban on importing American beef, imposed two years ago after isolated cases of mad cow disease turned up in the United States.Bush is expected to push for Koizumi to lift the ban.CNN Correspondents Dana Bash, Suzanne Malveaux and Atika Shubert contributed to this reportCopyright 2005 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.