Letter: Tibetan victims of the Chinese and realpolitik

Sir: It would be a triumph for humanity indeed if the horrific ordeal suffered by the Tibetan nuns featured in Saturday's Independent caused the US to rethink its renewal of the trade deal with China.

The sad truth is, however, that the cause of human rights cuts no ice when weighed against the realpolitik of valuable trade deals. Such deals, with China, Vietnam, Indonesia and others, ignore some of the world's most persistent and appalling human rights abuses, perpetrated against ethnic or religious groups, political opponents or indigenous populations.

Until we raise our voices in protest, the abuses will continue. Perhaps in the name of conscience it is time we shouted 'foul' so loudly that governments considering trade deals take such matters into account.

Yours faithfully,

CAROLINE ROBERTSON

Church Crookham,

Hampshire

14 February

(Photograph omitted)