Letter: China pressure

Every highly publicised visit by a Western leader to China prompts a fresh bout of concern about that country's record on human rights (your report, 10 November).

But do the leaders of the "Middle Kingdom" really care what the British government thinks on the matter? David Cameron's trip is essentially about business, about trying to ensure China can accommodate part of the UK's drive for export-led recovery and growth.

That point will not be lost on his host's leaders. It may be unpalatable but for the foreseeable future we need China much more than China needs us.

The increased affluence among its middle class may trigger demands for change. But no-one should underestimate the Communist Party's determination to manage this with its usual rigour and authoritarianism. It cares about its worldwide image but it will concede liberty only to the extent that it allows it to hold on to power.

It will look too at Europe and the United States' own recent record on promoting freedom. Each time there is an equivocal response here to the role of torture, for example, that will give Beijing the chance to point the finger at double standards in the democracies.

Only time will tell if there is a causal link between more prosperity and the growth of freedom. Meanwhile, we must have faith that the development of business links will help the process along.

Bob Taylor

Shiel Court

Glenrothes, Fife