Canadian PM talks human rights in China

SHANGHAI, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a business gathering in Shanghai Friday human rights were a condition of expanding trade with China.

A day after being publicly scolded in Beijing by Premier Wen Jiabiao for not visiting in five years, Harper told about 500 business people at a luncheon his absence carried a message, the Globe and Mail reported.

"In relations between China and Canada, we will continue to raise issues of freedom and human rights, and be a vocal advocate and an effective partner for reform, just as we pursue the mutually beneficial economic relationship desired by both our countries," Harper said.

China is Canada's second-largest trading partner behind the United States and despite the diplomatic frostiness during Harper's tenure, bilateral trade has increased 14 percent on average, the Canwest News Service said.

Harper also announced Canada would open four new trade offices in Nanjing, Qingdao, Shenyang and Wuhan to help Canadian companies find new clients in China.

Harper was scheduled to visit Hong Kong and South Korea before returning to Canada Tuesday.