By Jon Smith,
Political Editor, PA News
Tony Blair is to hold talks next week with Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, Downing Street announced today.
The two leaders will meet for talks in Downing Street as part of a European tour by the Chinese prime minister, who will be making his first visit to London since his appointment last March.
Mr Blair met Wen Jiabao in July when he visited Beijing, where the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues including the future of democracy in Hong Kong.
Wen Jiabao will also have talks with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn and Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt.
The Chinese premier will be given a guard of honour when he arrives at the Foreign Office on Monday before his Number 10 talks.
A Downing Street spokewoman said issues such as human rights and Tibet may be raised but added: “We have got differences but this is a mature relationship we have with the Chinese government and we can have a dialogue about this.”
The Tibet Society today urged Mr Blair to meet the Dalai Lama when he visits London on May 28.
“We should recognise the Dalai Lama’s demand for Tibetan political autonomy within our overall policy towards China,” said a spokesman for the society.
