Sydney Morning Herald
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will tell students at a Chinese university that there are significant human rights problems in Tibet, according to a transcript of the speech.
"Australia, like most other countries, recognises China sovereignty over Tibet but we also believe it is necessary to recognise there are significant human rights problems in Tibet," the transcript given to reporters said.
"The current situation in Tibet is of concern to Australians. We recognise the need for all parties to avoid silence and find a solution through dialogue."
The speech to students at Peking University this morning is Mr Rudd's first engagement of a four-day visit to China. China is the last leg of his first international tour as prime minister.
The Chinese government is already upset with comments Mr Rudd made in the US last week, in which he condemned human rights abuses in Tibet and called on China to talk to exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Chinese officials raised the comments with Australian ambassador Geoff Raby in Beijing.
And in Canberra, Chinese ambassador Zhang Junsai conveyed the protest to an Australian foreign affairs official, however a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesman said no formal written complaint had been lodged.
AFP and AAP
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