Chinese Premier ends four-day Irish visit

The Chinese Premier, Mr Zhu Rongji, will conclude his four-day visit to Ireland with a ceremonial farewell at Dublin Airport this morning.

During his stay Mr Zhu vigorously defended his country’s human rights record and said there was more to China than human rights, Falun Gong and Tibet.

"Since my arrival a couple of days ago, I have watched the TV and read newspapers. I have found that the Irish people's knowledge about China is like my knowledge of Ireland - limited. The impression I get from the media reports is that China has been reduced to three issues - human rights, Falun Gong and Tibet - nothing more."

Mr Zhu said China was not claiming to be perfect in terms of political and social reform and human rights: "We have shortcomings like any other country in this world."

The Chinese Premier met with Irish political leaders including the Taoiseach Mr Ahern. Following "frank and friendly" talks between the two men, Mr Zhu made a commitment to investigate the plight of Mr Zhao Ming, a former Trinity College student and Falun Gong member detained in a Chinese labour camp since 1999.

Trinity college student's Union welcomed the Taoiseach's intervention saying: "We hope Ming's release will remain at the top of the agenda in future dealings between the Irish and Chinese governments until he is permitted to return to Dublin to complete his studies."

Enhancing the bilateral trade links between the two countries was high on the agenda during Mr Zhu’s visit. The Premier said he would like to see trade between the two countries increase by 50 per cent per annum.

He also complimented Ireland’s rapid economic growth and its hi-tech infrastructural development.

He said China could learn from this development.

At a business breakfast organised by Enterprise Ireland yesterday, Mr Zhu said China’s policy of reform had quadrupled Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and attracted $350 billion in foreign investment.

However, the Premier’s visit was not without controversy. Eggs were thrown during protests at Dublin Castle on Monday evening as chants of "Chinese government hear us say, human rights are here to stay" rang out. A formal letter of protest at the visit was handed to his delegation after his meeting with Mr Ahern at Farmeligh on Monday morning.

Last night, around 15 Tibetan supporters and Amnesty International members protested at Killorglin.