Speaking Their Language, His Mind
The Age
Friday April 11, 2008
FOREIGN Minister Stephen Smith has quickly moved to quash claims Australia has escalated the dispute with China over human rights abuses in Tibet.
And in what appears a deliberate attempt to soothe wider diplomatic tensions in Asia, Mr Smith has also used a major speech on the Government's foreign policy priorities to signal Australia's ongoing commitment to Japan.Mr Smith played down fears that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's criticism of China over Tibet marked a dramatic shift in Australia's attitude, one with the potential to harm economic ties between the two countries."In the last day or two, it's not that (Mr Rudd has) said anything new or different that he hadn't said in previous days or weeks," Mr Smith said.But he accepted Mr Rudd's presence in China on the last leg of an 18-day world-wide diplomatic tour did change the way the Prime Minister's comments would be received. "I think there is a qualitative difference turning up, saying it in Beijing, saying it at the Beijing university, and saying it in Mandarin. That does tend to make the point."Mr Rudd's Beijing speech - which publicly aired Australia's concern over "significant" problems in Tibet - drew a sharp response from the Governor of Tibet. Chinese officials had also complained about Australia's criticism since the crackdown began in March, Mr Smith said.But he denied the public comments marked a break with the approach of past Labor governments to raise human rights concerns behind closed doors to protect any possible fall-out in the trading relationship.Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson questioned whether the Government's criticism of Beijing might damage Australia's trade relations with Beijing.But Mr Smith said he did not expect China to punish Australia, saying the relationship had a firm footing.
© 2008 The Age