China publicly scolds Harper for taking too long to visit

[HeresyLives]

China publicly scolds Harper for taking too long to visit


After unprecedented diplomatic breach, PM went on to invite Chinese Premier or President to visit Canada ‘in the not too distant future'

John Ibbitson

Beijing — Globe and Mail Update
Published on Thursday, Dec. 03, 2009 5:47AM EST

Last updated on Thursday, Dec. 03, 2009 9:32AM EST


In an unprecedented diplomatic breach, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao publicly upbraided Prime Minister Stephen Harper today for failing to visit China sooner.

“This is your first visit to China and this is the first meeting between the Chinese premier and a Canadian prime minister in almost five years,” Mr. Wen told Mr. Harper through an interpreter.

Mr. Harper listened, stone-faced, in front of Canadian, Chinese and international media.

“Five years is too long a time for China-Canada relations and that's why there are comments in the media that your visit is one that should have taken place earlier.”

Such a public scolding is unheard of in a meeting between heads of government.


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/china-rebukes-harper-for-taking-too-long-to-visit/article1386656/