Earlier this year Trocaire urged the Government to boycott the opening ceremony of the Olympics. We are disappointed that Minister Martin Cullen will be representing Ireland's Government and people.

In light of this, Trocaire is asking those who plan to watch the games to be aware of China's record when it comes to human rights.

In 2001, Beijing was awarded the 2008 Olympics. Inherent in the award was a spirit of hope and expectation that the country's rulers would address specific human rights concerns.

But China has not kept up its side of this moral contract.

China is supporting governments with poor human rights records. An investigation by BBC's Panorama uncovered evidence that China is providing military assistance to Sudan's government in Darfur -- despite the fact that the UN has imposed an arms embargo against Sudan.

Sanctions

Similarly, despite the imposition of trade sanctions on Burma, China has continued to provide loans to help the Burmese government, against which there are enduring reports of gross violations of human rights. China also provides the Burmese government with army equipment.

China has committed to doubling its aid to Africa to $1bn per annum by 2009. But it comes with strings attached. China's aid is 'tied' aid, which means much of the money must be spent on Chinese labour and resources which gives little or no support to local African employment.

China's trade relationship with Africa increased from $11bn in 2000 to some $40bn by 2005, and it grows continuously. Indeed, in a few short years China has become Africa's third largest trading partner. But as with all large powers, the rights and interests that take precedence in any trade arrangement will always be those of China.

China also funds projects that damage the environment. A joint report from the International Rivers Network and Friends of the Earth in 2005 criticised the Chinese for funding projects such as the Yeywa Dam in Burma, Merowe Dam in Sudan and the Nam Mang 3 Dam in Laos as they did not "fulfil the most basic standards for safeguarding transparency, environmental sustainability, and human rights".

Concerns have also been raised over the environmental impact of Chinese-run mining operations in Africa including copper mines in Zambia and the titanium sands projects in ecologically sensitive parts of Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar.

China's push into Africa has mainly been driven by its need to find raw materials to feed the world's fastest growing economy. It imports six main commodities from Africa: oil, iron ore, copper, cobalt, ivory and timber. It is no surprise that the biggest recipients of Chinese investments in Africa have been the oil-producing states of Nigeria, Angola, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea -- despite grave human rights concerns in those countries.

Trocaire appreciates the years of effort that go into athletes' preparation for the Olympics, and we wish them well. It is also important to note how China's economic renaissance has lifted many Chinese out of poverty -- as many as 400 million.

But it's important to examine the foundation upon which it has built these early stages of growth and acknowledge the cost paid by some of the world's poorest people.

Justin Kilcullen is director of aid agency Trocaire

- Justin Kilcullen