Prime Minister Stephen Harper laid bare the tension between Canada's desire to export more oil to China and the country's approach to human rights in his most direct speech during his trip to China.

He says Canada wants to sell its natural resources to people who want to buy them and it's clear that China has the need.

But he says there are obstacles to moving forward with a strategic partnership between the two countries.

He says Canadians expect their government to uphold fundamental freedoms in their business dealings.

"Therefore, in relations between China and Canada, you should expect us to continue to raise issues of fundamental freedoms and human rights," Harper told the dinner, according to a prepared text.

"And to be a vocal advocate for these just as we will be an effective partner in our growing and mutually beneficial economic relationship."

While Harper has said he's raised human rights issues in his bilateral talks with Chinese leaders, the speech Friday night in Guangzhou marked his first explicit public remarks on the subject.

But he stopped short of directly addressing what some observers say is a gradual deterioration of personal freedoms in China.

One local newspaper reported Friday that officials in Tibet were told to prepare for war as monks continued to light themselves on fire in protest China's crackdowns there.

Harper told the dinner that he can't claim to understand the challenges China is dealing with in the face of its exploding economy nor can he ignore the country's differences.

"However, as Canadians our history has taught us that economic, social and political development are, over time, inseparable," he said.