China reaffirms principle of investigation of Rio Tinto case

BEIJING, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- China will handle the Rio Tinto case according to Chinese law and the China-Australia Consular Agreement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular news briefing on Thursday.

Stern Hu, head of Rio Tinto's Shanghai office, was detained by Chinese authorities in early July along with three other staff on charges of spying and stealing state secrets.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith had raised concern recently on the two-month extension of Chinese investigation on this case.

In response to such concern, Qin said the Rio Tinto case would be handled by Chinese judicial organs in accordance with Chinese law and the China-Australia Consular Agreement.