Premier Wen Jiabao might have expected some searching questions on China's human rights records or political reform in Hong Kong when he faced British reporters yesterday.
But instead, the joint press conference in 10 Downing Street found British Prime Minister Tony Blair fending off demands for answers on reports of mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners by British soldiers.
The reporters challenged Mr Blair's integrity and even his moral authority when raising human rights issues with China. The only question directed to Mr Wen came from a British reporter seeking his views on the situation in Iraq. Mr Wen replied that China was worried about developments in Iraq.
'The current situation is very complicated,' he said. 'We call for the United Nations to play a leading role, and the function of the UN will be the key to solving the problems.'
He also called for the coalition force to return the power to Iraqis as soon as possible.
