BEIJING, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Britain's foreign secretary began a five-day trip to China by calling for democracy in Hong Kong and criticizing China's human rights record.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he was frustrated by China's decision to postpone universal suffrage in the former British colony of Hong Kong, Voice of America reported Monday. Chinese officials said they would let Hong Kong choose its own leaders in 2017 and lawmakers by 2020 but democracy groups said they want to see full voting rights by 2012.
China's relationship with Sudan is a concern to the international community and Miliband said he would discuss the issue with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Voice of America said.
Sudan is the main source of oil for China and Beijing is criticized for not using its influence to pressure the Sudanese government to resolve the ongoing crisis in Darfur.
Miliband also said the British government would continue to raise the issue of human rights with Chinese officials ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
