PARIS - France and China pressed ahead with business as usual yesterday after a diplomatic row over human rights, but President Jacques Chirac returned to the vexed issue when he met the visiting Chinese Prime Minister, Mr Li Peng.
Mr Li showed his anger on Wednesday night at France's intention to mention human rights by keeping the French Prime Minister, Mr Alain Juppe, waiting for 90 minutes and demanding he omit a passage in a planned dinner toast, French officials said.
After Mr Juppe agreed to cancel the exchange of toasts China agreed to sign contracts worth 10 billion francs (£1.25 billion), mostly for 33 European Airbus aircraft.