Prime Minister of Australia Shows Cojones in China

"Australia's official declaration today that we will become a member of the Kyoto Protocol is a significant step forward in our country's efforts to fight climate change domestically - and with the international community," Mr Rudd said.

He said the Federal Government would do evrerything in its power to help Australia meet its Kyoto obligations, including setting a target to reduce emissions by 60 per cent on 2000 levels by 2050.

It also would establish a national emissions trading scheme by 2010 and set a 20 per cent target for renewable energy by 2020.

"This is the first official act of the new Australian Government, demonstrating my Government's commitment to tackling climate change," Mr Rudd said in a statement.

Mr Rudd said the ratification was considered and approved by the first executive council meeting of the Government this morning.

"The Governor-General has granted his approval for Australia to ratify the Kyoto Protocol at my request," he said.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says it is absolutely clear that there are human rights abuses in Tibet and that one should not be shy about raising this with the Chinese Government.

President Bush also informed the media about his telephone conversation with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

This year, as China hosts the Olympics, the eyes of the world will be on you and the city of Beijing.

It will be a chance for China to engage directly with the world, both on the sports field and on the streets of Beijing.[...]

Some have called for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics because of recent problems in Tibet.

As I said in London on Sunday, I do not agree.

I believe the Olympics are important for China’s continuing engagement with the world. [...]

Australia like most other countries recognises China’s sovereignty over Tibet. But we also believe it is necessary to recognise there are significant human rights problem in Tibet. [...]

The current situation in Tibet is of concern to Australians. We recognise the need for all parties to avoid violence and find a solution through dialogue.

As a long-standing friend of China I intend to have a straightforward discussion with China’s leaders on this. [...]

We wish to see the year 2008 as one of harmony, and celebration – not one of conflict and contention.

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd wowed students at China's most prestigious university today, speaking frankly of rights abuse in Tibet while philosophising on the concept of true friendship.

In a speech at Beijing University, Mr Rudd impressed students with his flawless Chinese - a talent unheard of among non-Chinese world leaders - while leaving the audience laughing over quick witticisms on China's history and culture.

Although Mr Rudd's comments about "significant human rights problems in Tibet," might draw ire from his hosts Premier Wen Jiabao and President Hu Jintao, China's top students appeared unfazed.

"I agreed with what he said," Li Yang, a graduate student in environmental sciences, said following the speech.

"The Tibetan issue should be resolved without violence and through dialogue, this is correct." [...]

His Chinese is very good, he speaks Chinese very well," said Hong Ziyun, a first year law student.  "He really understands Chinese history and culture." [...]

"I enjoyed his discussion on how China needs to integrate with the world, this was very important," said a computer science graduate student who only gave his surname, Chen.

I do not know whether I will be in this place for a short or a long time. That is for others to decide. But what I do know is that I have no intention of being here for the sake of just being here. Together with my colleagues it is my intention to make a difference.