Pro-Tibet protests in London last year. Photo taken by Myles Fisher.

Chinese visit continues despite protests

Chinese visit continues despite protests

By politics.co.uk staff

China’s premier Wen Jiabao is continuing his trip to the UK despite having a shoe thrown at him duing a speech at Cambridge University.

The shoe, which was thrown in a symbolic gesture reminiscent of a similar act against former American president George Bush during a recent trip to Iraq, missed Mr Wen by around a metre.

The protestor – who was removed from the room by university security – shouted: “How can the univerity prostrate itself before this dictator?”

Gordon Brown and David Cameron have both met the premier despite widespread protests against the Chinese leader.

The prime minister held talks with Mr Wen in Downing Street, with protestors attempting to gather outside despite the snow.

Five protestors were arrested yesterday while trying to approach Mr Wen.

A visit to the Chinese embassy saw Tibetan independence and human rights activists vault barriers.

Mr Brown said a joint Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills and China-British Council project called ‘China Tomorrow’ would help British companies bring “innovative products” to the Chinese market.

During a joint press conference at the Foreign Office, Mr Brown said: “Premier Wen has overseen improve in social and economic rights in China.

“The UK continues its regular dialogue to seek progress towards all human rights standards.”

Premier Wen said: “I know what you want to hear from me. I know what the most important concerns that we have are.

“How can we work together to go throught this difficult time? Cofidence is the theme of my European journey. I believe confidence is the most important thing. More important than gold and more important than currency.”

Mr Cameron met the Chinese leader for 45 minutes on Sunday morning, accompanied by shadow foreign secretary William Hague and shadow chancellor George Osborne.

Mr Cameron said he discussed trade and the economic downturn with Mr Wen, but also brought up concerns about human rights.

“I also raised with Premier Wen the issue of human rights in China and greater participation in the political process, including at a time of economic difficulty, and our wish to see a continuing dialogue on these issues,” Mr Cameron said.

“We also discussed Iran, and I made clear the importance a Conservative government would attach to forging a strong and united international response to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon.”

To read analysis of the visit click here.

To read an interview with a Tiananmen Square organiser click here.