Brave but maybe foolish considering our economic ties
By staff writers and wires | April 09, 2008 PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd will tell Chinese university students what their own leaders will not - that there are significant human rights problems in Tibet.
"Australia, like most other countries, recognises China sovereignty over Tibet but we also believe it is necessary to recognise there are significant human rights problems in Tibet,'' Mr Rudd will tell students at Peking University today, according to a transcript of his speech.
"The current situation in Tibet is of concern to Australians. We recognise the need for all parties to avoid silence and find a solution through dialogue.''
The speech at Peking University is Mr Rudd's first engagement of a four-day visit to China.
He arrived in Beijing this morning, with China the last leg of his first international tour as prime minister.
The Chinese Government is already upset with comments Mr Rudd made in the US last week in which he condemned human rights abuses in Tibet and called on China to talk to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
Chinese officials have raised their concerns with Australian ambassador Geoff Raby in Beijing and with officials in Canberra.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesman said no formal written complaint had been lodged.
