China's Reach

The following countries have decided not to send a representative to the forthcoming Nobel Peace Prize award in Oslo, Norway.  This list is a good reflection of the scope and reach of China's diplomatic and economic influence:

China, Pakistan, Iran, Sudan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Iraq, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Venezuela, the Philippines, Egypt, Ukraine, Cuba and Morocco.

Algeria and Sri Lanka yet to reply.

44 of a total of 65 (or 68%) nations have confirmed their attendance.

Some interesting quotes:

Li Datong, a Beijing-based writer who recently signed a petition calling for Liu's release, said it was "absolute rubbish" to say the international community opposed the award. "The foreign ministry has no shame. It's a lie, pure and simple, told without the slightest hint of embarrassment," he said.

Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's director for the Asia-Pacific region, said: "There are a couple of disappointments, but it's effectively a club of countries with relatively bad human rights records."  He said China had persuaded only a small minority to snub the event despite "arm-twisting ... using a combination of political pressure and economic blackmail".