In a speech that could further strain relations with Russia, U.S. President George W. Bush on Tuesday chided the country for its "derailed" democratic reforms.

"In Russia, reforms that once promised to empower citizens have been derailed, with troubling implications for democratic development," said Bush, speaking at a dissidents' conference in Prague.

U.S. President George W. Bush is seen during the welcome ceremony at Prague Castle in the Czech Republic, on Tuesday.
(CTK, Michal Kamaryt/Associated Press)

Bush is in the Czech Republic as part of an eight-day European trip that includes the Group of Eight summit that begins Wednesday in Germany.

The commentary on Russia's democratic state is one aspect of a strong relationship between Moscow and Washington, said Bush.

"America can maintain a friendship and push a nation toward democracy at the same time," he said.

But the lecture was not likely to be well-received by Russian President Vladimir Putin, already riled over what he sees as unwelcome meddling by the United States in Russia's sphere of influence.

Most recently, Moscow has become increasingly irritated by U.S. plans to build a missile shield in Eastern Europe, on Russia's doorstep.

Bush defends missile shield plans

Earlier Tuesday, Bush defended his administration's plans to establish part of a missile defence shield in the Czech Republic.

"The people of the Czech Republic don't have to choose between being a friend of the United States or a friend with Russia," said Bush on Tuesday during a joint news conference in Prague with Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek and President Vaclav Klaus.

"You can be both. We don't believe in a zero-sum world. The Cold War is over."

While Washington maintains the shield is meant to protect Europe from rogue states,  Putin has become increasingly outspoken against the American plan.

Russia believes the shield in Eastern Europe — with a radar base planned for the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in neighboring Poland — is meant for it. Putin has said he has no choice but to boost his nation's own military potential in response.

China criticizes shield

Putin warned over the weekend that Moscow could take "retaliatory steps" including aiming nuclear weapons at U.S. military bases in Europe. Unless Washington changes its plans, it could be starting a "new arms race," said Putin.

China on Tuesday joined Russia in saying the shield could touch off a new arms race.

"China believes that the impact of a missile defence system on strategic defence and stability is not conducive to mutual trust of major nations and regional security," she said. "It may also give rise to a proliferation problem," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu.

Bush said he'll speak with Putin on the sidelines of the G8 meeting.

"My message will be Vladimir — I call him Vladimir — that you shouldn't fear a missile defence system," Bush said. "As a matter of fact, why don't you co-operate with us on a missile defence system? Why don't you participate with the United States?"

In February 2005, then prime minister Paul Martin announced that Canada would not participate in a North American missile-shield program with the U.S.

Although critical of the decision at the time, in July 2006 Prime Minister Stephen Harper said his Tory government wasn't prepared to open the debate on whether Canada should reverse the Liberal decision and join the U.S. ballistic missile-defence program.

With files from the Associated Press