By DPA
Beijing : German Chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday called for more press freedom and adherence to human rights in China during a speech on the second day of her visit there.
In a speech to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Merkel said that ahead of, and during next year’s Olympic Games, the world will scrutinize China en masse like never before.
It is an enormous chance for China to present itself, she said, adding that the country will be closely observed with regard to freedom of speech and press.
During the visit to the academy Merkel also said she wants a new push to revive the stalled World Trade Organization Doha Round of talks. “There is still a spark of hope,” she said of the talks aimed at breaking down global trade barriers.
She wants the G-8 states to push for Europe, the US and the G-20 nations to seek a conclusion to the Doha Round on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September.
“The Europeans would have to do their homework regarding farm subsidies,” said Merkel.
After her speech in Beijing, Merkel headed to Nanjing to open a unique three-year image and culture campaign of Germany across China.
Earlier Tuesday in Beijing, the German chancellor met four Chinese journalists who have been critical of the government.
The former editor-in-chief of a supplement to the China Youth Daily, Li Datong, said: “The meeting shows that the chancellor gives great importance to the values of democracy and liberty in China.” Forced from his editing post two years ago for running reports that angered authorities, Datong and the three other participants said the discussion went “very well”.
The environment and business are at the top of the agenda during Merkel’s three-day trip, her second to China as chancellor. Two business deals and a pact on environmental cooperation were inked on Monday.
Merkel is also expected to meet cultural and civil rights groups, and the two countries were to mark 35 years of diplomatic relations during the chancellor’s visit.