David Miliband

Foreign Secretary

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Monday 18 May, 2009

Indispensible Power

The Guardian today launches a Chinese edition online  For the launch I set out how China is to become an indispensible power in this century in the way the US became such in the 20th century (as described by Madeleine Albright).

It is important to keep a sense of perspective. For example Chinese GDP per head is 1/20 the US level and China will not replace the US as the US replaced Britain. But if we are not to have a "G2" world then a third leg of the stool needs to come from Europe - not a Europe modelled on a nation state, but a Europe that brings together national strengths for common work. In trade and climate negotiations we are getting there; in foreign policy it will be a long term process. But we need to work at it.

Posted at 18:46 18 May 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[3]

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I always notice that you are asked about whether you bring up human rights abuse with China. Do they question us about our record. More importantly, do you have similar conversations with the US. I am sure we should be telling the US that the abuse of human rights for example Iraq is not acceptable, that rendition is not acceptable, that imprisonment without trial is not acceptable, that execution squads protected by the Vice President is not acceptable. But I am sure you are on their case.

Posted by Paul Macdonald on May 22, 2009 at 09:00 AM BST #

As Henry Kissinger formulated, the world regions can be analyzed in comparison to the stages of European history. It is not practical to use the European perceptions to measure all other regions that have varying social, political and ideological developments. Understanding of differences is vital to uncover the obscure threads to bridge the gaps. In every situation, and even in the situation with China in the field of human rights, irrespectively how difficult the accords, there should be positive catalysts to achieve collective goals.

Posted by Chamila Liyanage on May 25, 2009 at 01:10 AM BST #

Human rights are universal, and that includes Tibet.

Posted by OwenE2 on May 30, 2009 at 10:38 AM BST #

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