French MPs plan Chinese boycott

The two leaders' attempts to boost ties have caused controversy

China's president was set to address the French parliament as some French MPs said they would boycott the event in a human rights protest.

President Hu Jintao was given the rare honour on a state visit which leaders hope will boost trade and other ties.

But human rights activists say the red-carpet welcome is inappropriate.

One MP from President Chirac's party said at least 15 MPs were planning to boycott the speech, with some also expected to join street protests.

Rights of Man

Lionnel Luca said he and another UMP (Union for a Popular Movement) MP, Herve Mariton, would be among the boycotters and urged others to do the same.

"French lawmakers, who are the heirs of those who voted for the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, have no reason to listen to the speech of a head of state who will speak in hackneyed phrases," Mr Luca told French radio.

Hundreds of followers of Falun Gong, a spiritual movement banned in China, protested outside the Chinese consulate on Tuesday.

The ban dates from the Tiananmen Square massacre

Mr Chirac and Mr Hu signed a joint declaration on Tuesday calling, among other things, for human rights to be protected.

Mr Hu's visit began on Monday with a presidential welcome at the airport and a banquet at the Elysee Palace.

It is his first state visit to Western Europe since becoming president last March.

France's moves to boost its Chinese ties have sparked controversy.

Taiwan was angered by Mr Chirac's description of a forthcoming referendum on defence as a "grave error".

And some European Union countries were opposed to a French call on Monday for the EU's arms embargo to be lifted by March.

The joint declaration signed in Paris contained opposition to the Taiwan referendum as well as a pledge to boost economic ties.