China must prove itself “responsible” – British FM

February 29, 2008 (BEIJING) — China risks a wave of protectionism unless it proves itself a “responsible” nation, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Friday as he completed a five-day tour of the Asian giant.

“Europe can open up its markets to China and push others to do so.

“But European member states will struggle to stave off the rise of protectionism…unless they can show their citizens that China is a responsible sovereign nation.” He also said China needed to open up its markets if it wanted to avoid a damaging kickback by European nations.

“That (further opening of the Chinese economy) is necessary if we are to persuade the skeptics that trade with China is in our mutual interests,” said Miliband.

He singled out political reform and human rights as areas where China would continue to face scrutiny from the international community.

China has faced increasing criticism for its stance on a raft of international issues, from trade and sovereign wealth funds to its support for regimes involved in rights abuses in Africa and Myanmar.

Perhaps most controversial is its support of the government of Sudan, which is involved in a brutal civil war that the United Nations says has led to the deaths of more than 200,000 people.

Miliband toured Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chongqing and Beijing before leaving the capital Friday, a British Embassy spokesman said.

(AFP)