Sir, - The Chinese Premier's visit is an opportunity not only to strengthen economic and cultural ties, but also to express concerns about China's human rights abuses.
A most pressing case is that of Mr Zhao Ming, a postgraduate student at Trinity College, who has been detained without trial in China for a year-and-a-half and is being subjected to severe mental and physical torture. We encourage the Taoiseach, the President and other concerned officials and individuals to tell Mr Zhu Rongji that Ireland does not condone the violation of human rights or the detention and torture of Zhao Ming. We ask that our Chinese guests do everything in their power to see that Mr Zhao is able to return to Dublin to complete his studies.
For students, this is not a faceless: our classmate is being tortured because of his beliefs. As a member of the Dublin community, and as a human being, Zhao Ming deserves our attention and assistance. - Yours, etc.,
Elizabeth Drew, Secretary, Graduate Students' Union,
Tony O'Donnell, Deputy President, Students' Union, Trinity College, Dublin 2.