CHINA: Britain's Tony Blair told Chinese leaders at the end of a two-day visit that human rights and more democracy were essential components of becoming a world economic superpower.
Speaking after talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Mr Blair spoke of "an unstoppable momentum towards greater political freedom, progression in human rights", and said Mr Wen had acknowledged that political change must accompany economic growth.
But no timetable had been discussed, he added.
"What we want to see is the development of human rights and greater democracy, not just because it is our system but because we think that's the best way that economic and political development go hand in hand," Mr Blair said.
The British leader was also meeting Mr Wen to discuss European issues. Britain holds the rotating presidency of the EU, and the visit coincided with an EU deal ending a row about China's surging textile exports.
At the start of their talks in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Mr Wen said: "I think it is fair to call our meetings in-depth, practical, frank and productive ones."
Many economic forecasters reckon China will become the world's second-largest economy within the next 10 years, but there are questions about what that means in political terms.
Mr Blair said: "It's not that people resent China, but they've got a question mark because they see an economic powerhouse and ask: 'Will this developing economy be matched by political development and in the field of human rights?' "
Mr Wen said there may be more local elections in coming years at township level. At the moment, people have a limited mandate at village level. However, the Communist Party rules out western-style democracy for China as an option.
The two leaders also discussed the EU's embargo on arms sales to China as well as the EU's refusal to grant China market-economy status.