§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken to improve the UK's relationship with China. [184240]
§ Mr. RammellWe currently enjoy good relations with China.
A Task Force was set up in September 2003 under my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's leadership to make firm recommendations for action to increase practical co-operation. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in London in May. They issued a joint statement afterwards setting out plans for developing co-operation between the two countries on areas including trade, education, science and technology and the environment. The joint statement also included a commitment to annual summits between the two countries.
The strength of our relationship allows us to raise sensitive issues of concern, such as human rights, with the Chinese authorities.
I plan to visit Beijing later this month.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the Chinese Government on the police treatment of Christians in custody. [184319]
§ Mr. RammellWe are very concerned about religious freedom in China. We made clear at the last round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in May that the prohibition of some religious/spiritual groups, and the legal restrictions placed upon members of others, are tantamount to a denial of their members' freedom of religious belief.
We also raised our concerns about torture by the Police and prison authorities at the same dialogue round.
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister raised human rights issues with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to the UK in May and I raised human rights issues with the Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party, Zhang Zhijun during his visit to the UK in March. We will continue to raise human rights issues with the Chinese Government at every appropriate opportunity.
Mr. HancorkTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government has made to the60W Chinese Government on (a) the detention of house church leader Xu Shaungfu and (b) the recent beating to death by Chinese police of two Christians, Gu Xianggao and Jiang Zongxiu; and if he will make a statement. [184320]
§ Mr. RammellWe are aware of reports of the detention of Xu Shaungfu and the deaths in custody of Gu Xianggao and Jiang Zongxiu. We are monitoring the situation and note reports that the Chinese authorities are investigating the death of Jiang Zongxiu.
We are very concerned about religious freedom in China. We made clear at the last round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in May that the prohibition of some religious/spiritual groups, and the legal restrictions placed upon members of others, are tantamount to a denial of their members' freedom of religious belief. We also raised our concerns about torture and the treatment of prisoners at the same dialogue round.
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister raised human rights issues with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to the UK in May and I raised human rights issues with the Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party, Zhang Zhijun during his visit to the UK in March.