China PM's complaints lost in broadcast cut
(BRUSSELS) - Media following Thursday's EU-China summit in Brussels lost the last words of a complaint delivered by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao against the European Union when a live video broadcast was suddenly cut.
After listing positive achievements in EU-China ties during a ceremony closed to the press but broadcast live, the Chinese leader chose forceful language to demand the lifting of an EU arms embargo and ask EU nations to lift all tariffs on Chinese goods.
"I have to be very frank in saying this ... but the solution has been elusive over the past 10 years. I deeply regret this and I hope the EU side will take greater initiative to solve these issues," he added.
That was when the sound and picture suddenly cut, though the premier had not quite finished his speech.
"Broadcast services received a message saying the public part (of the ceremony) was over," said a European Union diplomat who asked not to be named.
The previous day, the EU executive announced it was scrapping plans to organise a press conference at the close of the summit, as is traditional at such events, after failing to agree with Chinese authorities.
China had wanted to vet the journalists, said a European diplomat who asked not to be named.