AS a cash-strapped Europe scrambles to woo China’s support for a financial rescue package, human rights groups and dissidents are warning that in taking such help, the West will sacrifice some leverage over China.

Only one of about 140 Chinese activists invited by the wife of jailed Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo has confirmed he will attend the prize ceremony in Oslo, according to an organiser of the guest list.

A Chinese court sentenced a US-based political activist to five years in prison today on charges of spying for rival Taiwan in a case that prompted protests by Washington.