China and human rights

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Dear Sir, – Congratulations on not having presented an advertisement by Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban after his government sanctioned anti-gay legislation (“EuropeLetter: Hungarian policy spills over onto the field and the advertising pages of newspapers”, 1st July).

In the same edition, however, you are running an advertisement from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ireland.

Are we supposed to ignore the accusations of human rights violations leveled against China in their treatment of the Uyghur minority community? In addition, well-known journalists with Irish connections recently recounted their experiences of being forced to leave the country because of their reporting.

Press freedom groups have officially stated that foreign journalists in China are often followed on the streets, face harassment online and are denied visas. One rule for one?

– yours, etc.,

STEPHEN O’HARA

Carrowmore,

Sligo.

Sir, – I note with interest the full page advertisement placed by the Chinese Ambassador in the Irish Times on Thursday. The Ambassador highlights the opportunities that a prosperous China could offer Ireland in trade etc.

One thing he fails to mention is the continued arbitrary detention of Irish citizen Richard O’Halloran for more than two years. If the Ambassador is genuinely interested in fostering better relations, Mr. O’Halloran’s release would be a good start. Until then, the only talks that should take place should be about his return to that state.

Detaining foreign citizens, in what is a business dispute, is certainly an obstacle to developing better relationships.

– yours etc,

CONOR HOGARTY,

Black rock,

Co Dublin.

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