Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Britain Faces Trade, Human Rights Dilemma in Dealing With China

Jamie Dettmer

   Britain is facing a dilemma with China.

   Should it champion the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong
   enshrined in a joint declaration signed with Beijing before the British
   handed the territory back to the Chinese in 1997, ending 156 years of
   colonial rule?

   Or should it muffle its complaints about Chinese heavy-handedness -- or
   breaches of the joint declaration -- in order to ingratiate itself with
   China and reap commercial benefits?

   Diplomatic balancing act crumbles

   For the past year, as a trade war erupted between Beijing and
   Washington, and criticism mounted in Brussels of China being a
   "strategic competitor," Britain has sought to keep its balance on a
   diplomatic high-wire, falling neither to one side or the other.

   But midweek it lost balance.

   London and Beijing are now embroiled in a full-scale diplomatic quarrel
   following mass protests in Hong Kong against a now suspended bill that
   would have allowed extradition to mainland China. Pro-democracy
   activists say extradition would be used against dissidents in Britain's
   former colony.
   In an escalating war of words British and Chinese officials are dueling
   with both sides warning of serious consequences.

.