There was more to China than "human rights, Falun Gong and Tibet", the Chinese Premier, Mr Zhu Rongji, told business leaders on the third day of his Irish visit. He said if the Chinese government was not serving its people and observing universal standards for human rights, "`it could not survive for a single day".
Addressing a business breakfast in Dublin yesterday, hosted by Enterprise Ireland, the Chinese leader described the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, as "an old friend of mine" and said the discussions between Chinese and Irish representatives had been "cordial, friendly and constructive".
Speaking through an interpreter, he said this was his first time to "set foot on the beautiful land of Ireland". He knew before he arrived that the people had fought courageously for their independence and the Chinese people also admired Ireland's economic achievements. But his knowledge of Ireland was nevertheless limited. For example, he used to think that George Bernard Shaw was British but had learnt since his arrival that Shaw was Irish.
"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."
He asked those members of the audience who knew China to convey the message that it was a big country with a population of 1.3 billion. "Thanks to the policy of reform and opening-up, China's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has already been quadrupled."
Agriculture had been developed sufficiently to provide adequate food for the entire population: "They live comfortable lives." China even had surplus food which it exported to other countries and there was an adequate supply of consumer goods.
China had attracted $350 billion in foreign investment; there were 100 million mobile phone subscribers and 80 million Internet users. "All these figures point to a fact, that it is hardly imaginable that the Chinese government is not serving the people. It is hardly imaginable that the Chinese government is not observing universal standards for human rights. If the government were not doing these things, it could not survive for a single day."
He was not claiming that China was perfect in terms of political and social reform and human rights: "We have shortcomings like any other country in this world." Although China and Ireland enjoyed a high level of friendship and co-operation, there was still a need to enhance mutual understanding.
"At least I hope the Irish people will come to understand that, in addition to human rights, Falun Gong and Tibet, there are other things going on and happening in China." He would like to see trade between the two countries increase by 50 per cent each year.
"This will require efforts on both sides, and mutual understanding holds the key to success." There was laughter from the audience as Mr Zhu said he was inviting "any Irish reporter" who wished to do so, to visit China free of charge. He quipped that this could only be for one trip, otherwise he would lose his job as Premier. "Only mutual understanding will lead to mutual respect and then further on to mutual benefit."
The Minister of State for Trade, Mr Tom Kitt, said Mr Zhu's visit "will provide even greater impetus to the development of our relations with China, the country which is expected to be the powerhouse of the Asian economy in the 21st century."
The Chinese leader leaves for Brussels this morning.