| Author (Person) | Cronin, David |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.7, No.32, 6.9.01, p1 |
| Publication Date | 06/09/2001 |
| Content Type | News |
|
Date: 06/09/01 BELGIUM'S EU presidency publicly took Chinese premier Zhu Rongji to task over human rights abuses when he arrived in Brussels for the annual EU-China summit yesterday (5 September), writes David Cronin. Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt (left) told Zhu that he was concerned about the plight of religious minorities in Chinese-occupied Tibet, the problems faced by North Korean fugitives and about China's controversial 'Strike Hard' anti-crime campaign. In response, the 73-year-old Beijing leader, also met by European Commission President Romano Prodi, said that perceptions that his country did not adhere to international human rights standards were "unfounded". He also said that China hoped, with EU help, to join the World Trade Organisation at November's ministerial conference in Qatar. He revealed that he would not be seeking a second term at the helm of the world's most populated country, claiming he was too old. Belgium's EU Presidency publicly took Chinese premier Zhu Rongji to task over human rights abuses when he arrived in Brussels for the annual EU-China summit on 5 September 2001. |
|
| Countries / Regions | China |
