No formal bi-lateral meeting over detained Australian

PERCY: Stephen Smith has been able to have an informal meeting if you like a quick chat about the Stern Hu case. There had been hopes for a formal bi-lateral meeting, and that hasn't happened. But, Mr Smith was able to tell his Chinese counterpart of Australia's concerns, that they really wanted this case dealt with expeditiously, that they wanted to be sure that it was been dealt with, but Mr Smith was also realistic and saying that it wasn't going to happen overnight and it wasn't going to be just one one on one meeting between Foreign Ministers or one phone call that was going to bring this to an end. Mr Smith has been telling reporters here today, that the Foreign Minister of China reiterated that they saw this as a matter of an individual not a country to country matter, that it wasn't going to affect the trade and economic ties with Australia, but that it was a very serious case that they wanted to look at and Mr Smith wanted to make it known that the Australians don't want to interfere with the legal process but they do want to be sure that the case is being dealt with. I think the fact that it wasn't a formal meeting for those discussions says that the Chinese aren't very comfortable about wanting to talk to us at this kind of level. so it may or may not make much difference. I think the Chinese are determined that they will keep their own processes that they will deal with this in their own terms, but I think everyone is aware of what's at stake is a very significant relationship and while they are trying to say that it's not going to affect the relationship and the dynamics, it is clearly troubling for busnesses who are doing business in China. There is a sense of understanding of the sesitivities and what is at stake.

FOXLEY: We've heard that this isn't going to be cleared up very quickly, but how long do you think this criminal investigation is likely to last?

PERCY: I don't think anybody knows the answer to that. I think that the Chinese will have to be very cautious and clear and certain about what is going on. I don't think anybody knows how quickly this will be wrapped up.

FOXLEY: and did Stephen Smith indicate if there will be any concessions (made)?

PERCY: No, at this stage Mr Smith is not wanting to second guess what the Chinese might do, they're not giving anything away and I guess there might have been discussions about some sensitive matters that certainly Mr Smith wasn't sharing with us.

FOXLEY: Has he got plans to have further meetings with his counterpart or does that really call it a day?

PERCY: Not at this stage at this Forum, I would imagine depending on how the case progresses. There may be an opportunity or wishes for Mr Smith to speak to his counterpart at a later date but certainly not at this particular Forum.

FOXLEY: So what would be the step forward for the Australian Government to assist in this? Would they have any influence at all?

PERCY: I think they probably think that they have done as much as they can do on this matter. They continue to make it known to the Chinese that they want the matter dealt with they don't want to interfere necessarily, but they want the matter dealt with and that it is a serious matter, but beyond that they are not prepared to tell us how much they are prepared to push.