David Cameron rejects Chinese request to remove 'offensive' poppies during visit

Poppy wearers: David Cameron drinks a toast with Education Secretary Michael Gove (left), Business Secretary Vince Cable (2nd left) and Chancellor George Osborne at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

David Cameron and four Cabinet ministers wore poppies in defiance of Chinese demands to remove them yesterday.The Prime Minister was told that allowing his delegation to sport the symbol would cause grave offense because it would remind Chinese ministers and officials of the Opium Wars.

Also known as the Anglo-Chinese Wars, they were the climax of trade disputes between China and the British Empire over Chinese attempts to restrict British opium trafficking.

China was defeated in both the First Opium War, from 1839 to 1842 and the Second Opium War from 1856 to 1860.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the second war, which ended when British and French armies arrived in Peking and razed the Emperor's Palace to the ground.

The British victories in both conflicts apparently still weigh heavy on Chinese minds, since the prospect of British ministers and officials wearing poppies while attending this week's talks in Beijing prompted horror.

The poppy is the source of opium and Chinese officials were apparently unfamiliar with its importance in Britain in commemorating our war dead.

Mr Cameron, who is attending a ceremony in South Korea tomorrow to mark November 11, refused to remove his poppy, as did Chancellor George Osborne, Business Secretary Vince Cable, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Education Secretary Michael Gove, who are all accompanying the Prime Minister in China.

'When asked if it was a joke, the Chinese were stern-faced and said "No, we'd like you to remove them",' said one startled British aide.
'Clearly that was not an option so we tried to explain the importance of the poppy in Britain and informed them we would be wearing them all the same.'

Meanwhile, Mr Cameron took time out from official business during his visit to Beijing today to take a trip to the Great Wall of China.

The Prime Minister climbed a section of the wall at Juyong Pass, north of Beijing.
Signing his name in the visitors' book, the PM said the visit was a 'memorable' experience he would never forget.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1328311/David-Cameron-rejects-China-request-remove-offensive-poppies.html#ixzz151JyR9BS
By James Chapman
Last updated at 11:45 AM on 10th November 2010