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VANCOUVER — China is being unfairly singled out for criticism over a lengthening list of Chinese-made products containing health hazards, the country's ambassador to Canada said Friday.
“This kind of problem exists everywhere in the world. So why just pick out China for a big fuss?” said Lu Shumin, who has held his post since 2005.
In recent weeks, worried North American retailers have recalled millions of export products made in China – from toys to tires to toothpaste – after discovering faults or unsafe levels of chemicals in them.
Mattel Inc., the continent's largest toy company, issued the most recent recall earlier this week, urging the return of more than 18 million made-in-China toys because of unsafe coatings of lead paint.
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Asked in an interview whether consumers should continue to have confidence in Chinese-manufactured products, Mr. Lu replied that more than 90 per cent of Chinese exports are safe.
“Product flaws happen in other countries, too. … If you look at American products sold in China, they also have some problems,” the ambassador said, referring to a past controversy over the quality of some U.S.-made pacemakers sold in China.
“The point is how you deal with these cases. If the charges [of tainted products] are true, there will be a thorough investigation. … I don't believe the Chinese government doesn't care about the safety of these toys,” Mr. Lu said.
“We do care. This concerns the safety of all children, both home and abroad.”
Mr. Lu suggested that if there is a problem with the toys Mattel has recalled, the U.S. toy giant must share the blame for not making its standards clear.
“They have had [dealings] with Chinese companies for at least 10 years. There should be no problem communicating with them,” he said.
“So why has this occurred in such a way? I think people will have some doubts. … Some American experts and scholars have also pointed out that it's not just the Chinese at fault.”
On the sensitive matter of Canada-China relations since the federal Conservatives came to office, Mr. Lu acknowledged differences between the two governments.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has made no secret of his belief that human rights in China should have more importance than it did under the previous Liberal administrations.
Mr. Harper has been particularly irate over China's refusal to give Canadian diplomats access to Huseyin Celil, a Canadian imprisoned in China for allegedly plotting terrorists attacks.
“Certainly there are some positions which the government of Canada has taken with which we do not agree,” Mr. Lu said.
He added that he hoped to pursue “better relations” with Canada “no matter who the foreign minister is,” referring to the replacement this week of Peter MacKay as foreign affairs minister by Maxime Bernier.
“Although we have our differences, it's natural. Within your own family, you have differences, but no family will break because of these differences,” he said.
“I can also add that I believe the relationship between Canada and China is on a very solid foundation.”
The ambassador was here to deliver a speech to the Vancouver branch of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association.
In his remarks, Mr. Lu tried to alleviate ongoing concerns that Chinese officials, irritated at Canada's stand under Mr. Harper, are dragging their heels on granting “approved destination status” to this country, a move that would facilitate tourism from China.
He said he was asked once more about the issue in an earlier meeting Friday with International Trade Minister David Emerson.
“Personally, I'm still optimistic,” Mr. Lu told the crowd.
“There are still some things that need to be sorted out between the two sides, but sooner or later, this will be in place.”
