Beijing twinning issue shocks human rights groups
The Taoiseach and the Tanaiste are reportedly supporting plans to twin Dublin and the Chinese capital Beijing, despite concerns over China's human rights record.
The proposal has been put forward by a senior Chinese delegation which has been visiting Ireland.
The proposal by the Chinese has shocked human rights groups. The Irish branch of Amnesty International said everyone knows why Tianamen Square is famous and it should not be linked in anyway with Dublin's landmarks.
For its part Dublin Corporation insists that while the twinning issue was being considered it had not by any means been decided. Lord Mayor Maurice Ahern said he does have concerns about Chinese human rights record.
However the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste are quoted as being behind the plan, with Bertie Ahern's office saying anything that supports the Government objective of closer links with Asia would be positive.
There has been growing links between the two countries with Ministers visiting on an almost regular basis, and Dublin's Lord Mayor due to travel there in May.
