Chinese Delegation Dodges Questions

Visiting Chinese politicians canceled a visit to a northern Swedish town after learning they would be questioned about China’s treatment of orphan girls, Swedish media reported Saturday.

The delegation, led by Vice Premier Li Lanqing, was to visit the mining town of Kiruna, 570 miles north of Stockholm, on Saturday. They were hoping to expand contacts with the Swedish mining company LKAB.

But local leader Lars Tornman made clear he would complain to the officials about the alleged mistreatment of small girls in China’s state-run orphanages.

The allegations were publicized recently in a Swedish television documentary. China denies any mistreatment.