The charity claims that the Chinese Government is in a unique position to influence the Burmese military, but has failed to do so.

Several hundred people protested again in the Burmese capital of Rangoon yesterday despite a violent crackdown by security forces.

'China is the only country that can bring the oppressive regime in Burma to heel,' said the Director of Trocaire, Justin Kilcullen.

'One thing they are very sensitive about is their Olympic games," he said

"I believe it's time now to say unless they can live up to the responsibilities of that role and bring their client state of Burma to heel, then we should boycott those Olympics"