Sometimes you can tell more about a situation by what’s not spoken about.

Perhaps you have been in a relationship which started as open and sharing and then towards the end it becomes silent and sullen? We go on hoping it will get better but the honesty is lost and we turn a blind eye to the issues which got us into this mess: it’s easier to be quiet.

So, as President Hu Jinato arrives in Britain for a state visit here’s some of the questions we should be asking.

Why do you need to execute so many people ?

On average China executes 10,000 people per annum. According to Amnesty International in any three month period it kills more of it’s own people than the rest of the world does in three years. Executions are meted out for bribery, embezzlement and stealing petrol.

Is it right to allow torture ?

People are systematically mis-diagnosed as being “dangerously mentally ill”. These people tend to be political dissidents, religious nonconformists, complainers, petitionists and trade union members. They are “treated” at mental asylums.

Why do you need to censor your society so much ?

Every aspect of Chinese society is restricted and controlled. In the rush to get Chinese business some of our largest companies collaborate with this. Shame on you Google for censoring news and you Microsoft for censoring weblogs.

Can we trust you on bird flu ?

World Health Organisation officials critcised the secrecy and initial denials made by China over the 2003 Sars epidemic. Beijing has taken a similar approach over bird flu and there are fears that this culture of secrecy will disguise the scale of an outbreak and help the spread of a pandemic which may kill millions.

What are you doing to protect the environment ?

With a population of 1.3 billion China has now overtaken the States as the leading consumer of grain, meat, coal and steel. It’s drive for coal fueled power is vastly increasing the output of greenhouse gases and it is resisting any limits which are trying to be imposed on it.

What are you doing on the war against terrorism ?

In the mostly Muslim autonomous region of Xinjiang China is undertaking “re-education through labour”. Religious practitioners and activists are beaten, given electric shocks and kicked unconscious. The hope is that China’s support for the “war on terrorism” will gain it international support for its own crackdown.

When are you going to give back Tibet ?

President Hu Jintao ruled as Communist Party Secretary between 1988 and 1992, years when hundreds of Tibetans were killed or imprisoned. Last week he said that Tibet has been an, “inalienable part of Chinese territory” since the 13th century.

I’m a realist. I’m sure we need China and her rampant economy a lot more than she needs us. But isn’t it better to be honest and open? To have a relationship built on solid foundations rather than established in haste ?

Do me a favour and drop by Free Tibet, email your MP. Be one of those who tried to make a difference not one of those who simply wanted cheaper clothes.

“Goodness speaks in a whisper, evil shouts” - Tibetan proverb.