Testing the Chinese friendship
Australia’s deteriorating relations with China will shortly get another severe test when the unofficial leader of the Uighurs, Rebiya Kadeer, pays us a visit. Mrs Kadeer isplanning to urge the Rudd Government to take a stand over China’s violent repression of demonstrations in her homeland. She will also be asking Australia to give a home to the remaining Uighur detainees from Guantanamo Bay.
The Chinese will be angry enough that Ms Kadeer is being allowed to visit at all. They will really be huffing and puffing in annoyance if she is granted a meeting with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Mrs Kadeer will be in Australia for the premiere of a documentary at the Melbourne Film Festival about her life and the struggle of her people. The Chinese consulate has already tried to persuade the Festival not to show the film.
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