CHINA’S ambassador to the UK will be quizzed on his country’s poor human rights record when he visits Glasgow later this month.
Zha Peixin is due in the city in a fortnight for the launch of a major art exhibition – One Million Days In China – at the Burrell Collection.
During his visit, the ambassador will meet city dignitaries and other guests at a reception at the museum.
But he will also be urged to improve his country’s human rights record, which has frequently been criticised by international bodies.
Glasgow’s Lord Provost’s office – which is hosting the reception – confirmed the subject is on the agenda.
The invite to Mr Zha follows May’s visit to Glasgow by Tibet’s spiritual leader-in-exile the Dalai Lama, who spoke of the Chinese occupation of his homeland while in the city.
Last week, the council passed a motion – put forward by opposition leader John Mason – urging councillors to challenge Chinese representatives on their human rights record, especially regarding Tibet and minority groups.
It called on the Scottish Executive and UK government to raise their concerns at every available opportunity and for Glasgow to use its twinning with the Chinese city Dalian as an opportunity to discuss human rights with the country’s representatives. The motion was passed unanimously.
The SNP councillor said: “We welcome the increasing openness of China but there still are serious human rights abuses.”
• One Million Days in China opens at the Burrell Collection on July 16 and runs until February 13.
