AS THE primary economic, military and political partner of the government of Sudan, and as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has both the opportunity and the responsibility to contribute to a just peace in Darfur. Ongoi
ng failure to rise to this responsibility amounts, in our view, to support for a government that continues to carry out atrocities against its own people. As host of the 2008 Olympic Games, China has a special role to play in ensuring that its actions this year are commensurate with the Olympic ideals of peace and international co-operation.
The atrocities in Darfur continue to intensify. Of the seven million inhabitants of Darfur, hundreds of thousands have already died due to the conflict and 2.5 million have been displaced. Rape and sexual violence have been and continue to be used as weapons of war against untold numbers of girls and women. The government of Sudan has also been involved in the forced relocation of people from refugee and internally displaced people's camps. Without homes to return to those displaced are left vulnerable to further attack.
We recognise some efforts by China in 2007 to increase diplomatic pressure on Sudan – notably through its support of the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 1769, calling for the deployment of a UN-AU hybrid peacekeeping force to Darfur. At the same time, however, we note with dismay that the Chinese government worked to weaken the resolution before it passed. China also doubled its trade with Sudan in 2007, providing resources that make it easier for Sudan to carry out atrocities.
NO
Chinese governmentAS THE Darfur issue is neither an internal issue of China, nor is it caused by China, it is completely unreasonable, irresponsible and unfair for certain organisations and individuals to link the two as one.
Efforts to link the two contravenes the universally recognized principle of non-politicisation of sports, and runs counter to the Olympic spirit.
We sincerely hope that relevant parties respect facts, and make a fair and objective judgment on the positive role played by China on the Darfur issue.
Why can't the international community give a little more time, a little more chance and a little more patience to resolve the issue?
In the current situation, too much pressure or expanding sanctions will not be helpful for the peaceful settlement of the issue, but further complicate the situation.
China always tries to promote peace, and in order to fulfil the role China has offered 80 million yuan (£5.29 million) in humanitarian aid to Darfur and will send a 275-member engineering unit to participate in the implementation of the second phase of a UN support plan.
We have appointed a special representative on the Darfur issue, reflecting the Chinese government's commitment to further consult, communicate and co-ordinate with the concerned parties for a resolution to the issue.
We have conveyed the concerns of the international community to the Sudanese leaders on many occasions and suggest the Sudanese government show more flexibility and strength to accelerate the peace process.
The full article contains 535 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
