Published by: World Tibet Network News Monday, December 15, 1997

"Herald Sun", Monday, December 15

Mystery surrounds the arrival in Melbourne yesterday afternoon of China's fourth-ranked government official.

One theory is that Li Ruihuan, a member of the Chinese Communist Party politburo, is here to complete a deal with an Australian insurance company.

Mr Li arrived on a China Airlines flight from New Zealand with a 70-strong entourage.

No details of his visit have been made public.

It is believed he is staying at a city hotel and will meet State Government officials today before visiting Canberra.

Australia Tibet Council members were alerted to Mr Li's visit and staged an airport protest.

Council president Alex Butler said she saw the official convoy given a police escort from the airport, down the Tullamarine Freeway. She criticised the visit's secrecy and said the Federal Government was determined to shield Mr Li for protesters.