Smith pushes for access to Hu trial

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says he expects to hear from Chinese authorities today as to whether they will allow consular officials to attend all of the trial of Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu.

But he would not elaborate on what his response might be if China says no.

Hu, an Australian national iron ore negotiator for Rio Tinto, along with three of his Chinese colleagues, will face court in Shanghai on Monday after eight months in detention.

China has accused him of giving and receiving bribes and inducing Chinese steel company executives to leak commercially sensitive information.

Australian officials have been barred from attending parts of the trial involving the commercial allegations.

Mr Smith says he has made it clear to Chinese officials that Australia wants the trial to be opened up.

"Our argument is that we think the circumstances of this case warrant that the court has in it Australian officials for both charges," he told ABC's Radio National.

"They are the representations we've made to the Chinese authorities. I wouldn't be surprised if we get a response today."

Yesterday Prime Minister Kevin Rudd warned China that the "world would be watching" but China was quick to hit back, warning Australia not to politicise Hu's trial.

The Government has repeatedly urged for China to treat Hu's case expeditiously.

As the trial begins, Rio Tinto chief Tom Albanese will be addressing an economic summit in Beijing.

Dr Ann Kent from the Australian National University's college of law has told ABC TV this is no coincidence.

"The Chinese Government puts a great emphasis on symbolism, so it cannot have escaped them that they've made this announcement at this time," she said.

"That could be read as a slap in the face of the Australian Government, and of Rio."

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Fri 19th March 2010 - 11:10am