Rudd raises human rights with Chinese

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has raised the delicate topic of human rights in Tibet and Xinjiang with one of China's most powerful leaders.

Mr Rudd met with Jia Qinglin - Beijing's fourth-ranked Community Party leader - in Brisbane on Saturday.

A spokesperson for Mr Rudd on Sunday confirmed he had raised the situations in Tibet and Xinjiang, home to most of China's persecuted Uighur ethnic minority.

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"They discussed human rights in China and, while noting the different systems in Australia and China, agreed to continue the dialogue between their governments on this issue," Mr Rudd's spokesperson said.

"They discussed Australian consular cases in China and agreed that these should be the subject of further discussions among officials."

The pair also discussed the two countries' economic relationship and broader shared interests.

They also discussed Queensland's devastating floods.

"Chairman Jia offered the condolences and the continuing support of China to the government and people of Queensland," Mr Rudd's spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard also raised human rights when she met with Mr Jia on Thursday.

Ms Gillard will visit China for the first time as prime minister later this month.


(2011-4-10/smh.com.au)