Cameron 'Concerned' For Chinese Democracy

During a two-day trade mission to China, the Prime Minister, has called for closer trading ties between Europe and China, but announced that Britain had "deeply-held concerns" regarding human rights.

In a statement, to Beijing students at Beida University, David Cameron said that growing economic freedom should go "in step" with political reform to ensure prosperity.

He acknowledged that British society was "not perfect", and insisted he was claiming no "moral superiority".

Ending the trip, he appealed to China to correct trade imbalances and further open its markets.

Mr Cameron recognised the growing prosperity of China encouraging more freedom for people to choose where to live and work.

However he added: "There is no secret we disagree on some issues, especially around human rights. We don't raise these issues to make us look good, or to flaunt publicly that we've done so. We raise them because the British people expect us to - and because we have sincere and deeply-held concerns."

Discussing Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Cameron said: "All the time the government is subject to the rule of law. These are constraints on the government and at times they can be frustrating.

"But ultimately we believe they make our government better and our country stronger.”

He added that a free media ensured people were better informed and that those with different views from the government were able to take part in public debate.

Today the Prime Minister met President Hu Jintao and visited the Great Wall of China. He is due to fly to the G20 summit in South Korea.

(BMcN/GK)