Published by: World Tibet Network News Tuesday, December 16, 1997

CANBERRA, Tuesday, December 16 (Canberra Times) The No 4 man in China's ruling Communist Politburo, Li Ruihuan, arrives in Canberra this morning en route to Sydney for talks with Prime Minister John Howard and senior ministers.

Pro Tibet protesters have stalked Mr Li during the first stage of his visit in Melbourne and a small band of protesters is likely to be on hand when he arrives with his large entourage at the Fairbairn RAAF base at 10am.

Mr Li is responsible for nationality and religious affairs and will not face the media during his visit.

The president of the Australia Tibet Council, Alex Butler, accused the Government of keeping Mr Li's itinerary secret to shield him from protesters.

"This man has ruined the lives of thousands of Buddhist monks and nuns in Tibet."