The European Union will decide today whether to back the resolution criticising China at the United Nations annual human rights meeting. But it might keep its decision quiet until the vote because of pressure from Beijing.

The US resolution will seek to label China as a "gross violator" of human rights and will call for Beijing to release political prisoners, including those imprisoned for non-violent revolutionary activities.

The 15 member nations are anxious to present a united front at the meeting of the Human Rights Commission in Geneva and want to avoid threats of China cancelling trade deals.

Several powerful European countries led by France are understood to be adamantly opposed to any formal condemnation of Beijing. The British are understood to have decided not to part company with them in the interests of solidarity.

Europe's position will be spelt out at the meeting by former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten in his new role as European Commissioner for External Relations. He is known to be anxious not to compromise his own record for upholding human rights.

Mr Patten's spokesman in Brussels, Gunnar Wiegand, said he was paying close attention to the issue of human rights in China but would be bound by the decision of the member governments.

"This is certainly an important issue for Mr Patten. He has a well-established personal profile on this which he would not like to endanger in his new job," Mr Wiegand said.

Mr Patten had frequently drawn attention to the issue of human rights on the Chinese mainland, even though some European governments might not share his opinions.

"It is difficult for him to manoeuvre," Mr Wiegand said, adding that Mr Patten was also anxious to maintain unity within the European Union.

"Our position on the China situation will be fixed at a meeting on Monday when the Foreign Ministers will decide. Although there are massive human rights problems in China which we want to address, our position is not yet determined."

The UN begins six weeks of hearings on human rights this week but a vote on a US-sponsored resolution criticising China will not be taken until next month.

Isabelle Scherer, at the Amnesty International office in Geneva, said all countries should accept their responsibilities for standing up for human rights.

"Amnesty International has been raising the question of human rights in China as a priority. This is a matter that should affect all countries on the UN commission," Ms Scherer said.

Amnesty had recorded an increase in the number of human rights violations by Beijing over the past year, including steps taken to suppress Falun Gong practitioners.

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Last updated: 24-Mar-2000