Human rights advocates are urging questions about China’s human rights record as Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a four-day visit that the British government is touting as an opportunity for the two countries to boost trade and investment.

Human rights advocates are planning protests throughout Xi’s visit and calling for Prime Minister David Cameron to address Beijing’s human rights record with the Chinese leader.

A spokeswoman for Cameron said Monday that “nothing is off the table.”

The group Freedom Now, which represents detained Chinese Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo and his wife, Liu Xia, released a letter Tuesday written by 12 fellow Nobel Peace Prize winners urging Cameron to call on China to set the pair free.

The laureates, including Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, also ask that Cameron push for Liu Xia to be allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Lavish welcome

Xi was greeted by Queen Elizabeth Tuesday at Buckingham Palace during a lavish welcoming ceremony.  Later in the day, Xi will address Britain’s parliament and attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.  Xi also holds talks Wednesday with Cameron, then has dinner at Cameron’s country retreat and makes visits to businesses.

Cameron’s office said this week some $46 billion worth of deals will be completed, and that Britain and China will also discuss cooperation related to the threat of terrorism and extremism.
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