Last week, the US Government lost whatever shreds of credibility it once had, with the visit of Vice-President Al Gore to China.

By stating that the best way to deal with China is through constructive engagement the US Government has yet again displayed its incredible double standards. If China can be engaged for the altruistic aims of good relations with America then why can the US not engage Cuba, the Burmese Government, the IRA, or the Hezbollah? The US Government has become a joke and every day it is so plain to see how selfish and greedy America truly is. While Wang Dan slowly dies a lonely and pitiful death, Mr Gore enjoyed the best Chinese banquets in Beijing.

Wang Dan's only crime was to speak his mind; for this he was given 14 years in prison, not a banquet.