I am so happy I voted for Mr Rudd, he is putting my confidence back in this country. Our last Prime Minister (John Howard) would of bent over backwards and let the Chinese walk all over us, and would of gave into the demands of Chinese security on Australian soil.

Keep up the good work Mr Rudd.

Michael, Sydney, Australia

My admiration for Mr. Rudd continues to grow. In a world which has become all too familiar with leaders who lack conviction, the Australian Prime Minister is a pivotal breath of fresh air. While open to dialogue with China, he has made it abundantly clear that his obligation to the Australian people and his stance against human rights abuses are not sacrificed for economic relations with the repressive government of China. It is expected that Mr. Rudd will be in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009 for the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government. The Prime Minister of this country is hell bent on improving relations with China, however, human rights is a non issue. Perhaps he can seize the opportunity to learn from Kevin Rudd that acting in good conscience is one of the main requirements for proper leadership. I can only be hopeful.

Natalie, St. Joseph, Trinidad

I wonder if he would like to emigrate to 'the old country'? Couldn't we do with someone like him here?

S. Barraclough, Huddersfield, W. Yorkshire

RESPECT FOR KEVIN RUDD!!!

The world needs many more KEVIN RUDDs and Nicholas Sarkozys!.

I salute you Mr Kevin Rudd for having the guts (unlike the other leaders) to stand up for what you believe in, the wholeworld is behind you and history will remember you for this. Yes, get rid of the beijing 'thuggs', and allowing your prople to protest however they want.- what a man!!!!

Salute to Mr Sarkozy too, for speaking out and not taking part in the torch relay!! Despite the 'thugs', it was the French police who were calling the shots and to the French Police, respect for putting out the torch, not once, not twice but 4 times, bravo!!!!! And to the Mayor, respect for cancelling the reception ceremony and for the city councillor who tried to grab the torch - GOOD ON YOU!!!

Perhaps with men like Kevin Rudd and Nicholas Sarkozy, there is still some hope for Tibet, although I fear china has no regard or respect for what anyone thinks or feel about their dirty regime.

FREE TIBET!!!

Lita Pakenham, Hertfordshire, UK

The Chinese government has absolutely no right to assign these "thugs" to protect the Olympic torch! Who the hell do they think they are? The IOC should ban these scumbags from running with the flame or scrap the entire international part of the relay (the Chinese government would love that).

Nice one, Kevin!

Tiaan, Pretoria, South Africa

I don't think that tolerance is the issue, the issue is whether China can just send it's brutes around the world to terrorize us all? All praise should go to Mr Rudd for his stand. On the other hand we should pity the people ruling England and America who, for a few crumbs from Chinas table, have sold the soul of the countries that they represent. I am hard pressed to decide which is worse, the fall of our ideals or the fact that no one seems to care.

John Morgan, Old Stratford, United Kingdom

I wondered when someone would mention the fact that the Olympic torch seems to be surrounded by Chinese government thugs. It doesn't bode well for the actual games, if the Chinese can do as they please everywhere else imagine what they'll be like in China, it's all seems a bit sinister.

Good on you Mr Rudd

Steve Weggery, Liverpool, UK

Yes, bravo to Mr Rudd. Sense at last on this matter. And I strongly doubt the Australians will be any less tolerant than the Chinese goon squad have been, who had no business in London or elsewhere. What a shame G Brown did not speak so clearly on this. The fact is, by committing to attending the Opening, Bush and Brown are handing China carte blanche to act as violently as ever, and no amount of private "talks" with the autocrats in Beijing will help. Sarkozy and Rudd are following the sensible course here.

D LaJuett, Washington, D.C., USA

Bravo Mr Rudd!

But will your forces be more tolerant?

Shaun Smtih, Toronto, Canada