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Speaking one’s mind about China

MaltaToday spoke to three political figures from the three political parties on the controversial issue of human rights versus economic ties with China.

Surprisingly they all shared similar concerns.

Malta has a public view in favour of human rights and also boasts strong economic ties with China. We asked the three political figures if the Maltese government should have brought up the issue on human rights with the Chinese President Jiang Zemin?

Nationalist MP, Dolores Christina said that Malta had a very public stand with regard to human rights in the world. She commented on how lately Malta even ratified a United Nations resolution condemning abuses against human rights not only in China but around the world.

Harry Vassallo, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika on a more aggressive note complained “Our leaders who ever they are cannot pretend they don’t know about the atrocities going on in China, with people being jailed and executed on a daily basis.”

Evarist Bartolo, Labour Shadow Minister of Education, was very direct and concise in his comment, saying: “I believe Malta should have brought up the human rights issue. Countries can still have good relations with each other whilst voicing their opinions or comments.”