Friday, February 10, 2012

PM's Comments on Human Rights in Guangzhou Reported by the Toronto Star

""Taking things to the next level" with China means recognizing "we should engage more deeply" not just on trade, he said, but on "fundamental national values."

Canadians, he said, expect their prime minister to have a "good and frank dialogue on fundamental principles such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of belief and worship."

"Canadians also demand that their government be a responsible global citizen in dealing with the peace and security challenges that confront the world, and wherever we can, to urge other governments, including global actors like China, to do the same."

The fact Harper made the remarks in public meant they would register clearly with China's leaders—after Harper said he also raised them in private meetings this week.

But there is little likelihood the broader Chinese population would hear them through state-controlled media."

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1129120--harper-blasts-foreign-money-oilands-debate-while-welcoming-china

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