Kennedy raises Human rights and environmental concerns with the Chinese President

10.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 10th Nov 2005

Liberal Democrats Leader Charles Kennedy has this week met with President Hu of China on his three-day state visit. Mr. Kennedy said During our meeting, I highlighted long-standing anxiety about China's record on human rights, making clear that this was a major source of concern. I also made the case that China's unprecedented industrial expansion was raising serious environmental concerns - asking the President urgently to address reconsideration of China's opposition to the Kyoto treaty. I also made it clear that we believe the way forward with China, which is one of the emerging powers - in trade and investment - in the world, is through constructive engagement."