. | . |
British FM says China must prove itself 'responsible'
Beijing (AFP) Feb 29, 2008 China risks a wave of protectionism unless it proves itself a "responsible" nation, British Foreign Secretary David Milliband said Friday as he completed a five-day tour of the Asian giant. "We must be honest about the terms of a new bargain between Europe and China," he told an audience at Beijing's Peking University. "Europe can open up its markets to China and push others to do so. "But European member states will struggle to stave off the rise of protectionism... unless they can show their citizens that China is a responsible sovereign nation." He also said China needed to open up its markets if it wanted to avoid a damaging kickback by European nations. "That (further opening of the Chinese economy) is necessary if we are to persuade the sceptics that trade with China is in our mutual interests," said Milliband. He singled out political reform and human rights as areas where China would continue to face scrutiny from the international community. China has faced increasing criticism for its stance on a raft of international issues, from trade and sovereign wealth funds to its support for regimes involved in rights abuses in Africa and Myanmar. Perhaps most controversial is its support of the government of Sudan, which is involved in a brutal civil war that the United Nations says has led to the deaths of more than 200,000 people. Milliband toured Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chongqing and Beijing before leaving the capital Friday, a British Embassy spokesman said. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com
Atlantic Eye: President-to-be Obama Washington (UPI) Feb 26, 2008 Dear Mr. President-to-be: |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |