Irish Times: Cowen to discuss human rights during China visit

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, is expected to discuss human rights issues when he meets Chinese leaders during a visit to Beijing next week.

The Minister is likely to raise the issue of the jailed Falun Gong practitioner and Trinity College student, Mr Zhao Ming, during planned meetings with the Chinese Premier, Mr Zhu Rongji, or with the Chinese Foreign Minister.

Amnesty International has repeatedly called on Mr Cowen to pressurise the Chinese government into releasing Mr Zhao who is reported to be detained in a labour camp. He was arrested in Beijing when he travelled to China in 2000 for a Christmas holiday.
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Apart from human rights, Mr Cowen will discuss a wide range of issues with Chinese leaders including economic co-operation and UN Security Council matters.
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