We can no longer stay silent!
Normally I do not express my political opinions on my blog, but I can no longer watch in silence. We can no more ignore the situation in Tibet.
I am deeply disturbed to learn of the Chinese government's use of brute force against unarmed Tibetans inside Tibet. Supported by tanks, thousands of armed troops have sealed off three major monasteries near Lhasa, Tibet where nonviolent protests were initiated on Monday. Police have fired live ammunition into crowds of unarmed Tibetans and unconfirmed reports from Lhasa indicate that 80 or more Tibetans have been killed.
I've not been pro-boycott, until now, but I think it would be "unconscionable" to attend the Beijing Games if China failed to deal peacefully with unrest in the Himalayan region.
Marches held by Tibetans worldwide this week to mark the 49th anniversary of a failed uprising against Beijing's rule that led to the Dalai Lama fleeing to India (in 1959) were part of a long succession of grievances.
China continues to repress Tibetans' religious aspirations, especially their veneration for the Dalai Lama, who won Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Please urge the United States government or your own government to demand that the government of China:
1) Allow demonstrators to exercise their right to freedom of expression and assembly;
2) Refrain from excessive use of force against Tibetan protesters;
3) Release all Tibetans who have been arrested or detained, and;
4) Allow international media unobstructed access to Tibet.
For five decades, the Tibetan people have suffered greatly under China's brutal rule. The Chinese government has swamped Tibet with Chinese settlers, poured money into mega-infrastructure projects like the railway that solidify its control, and ruthlessly attacked Tibetan culture and religion. As the Olympics approach and the world's eyes turn to Beijing, this outpouring of frustration is the natural consequence of China's ongoing repression in Tibet.
Please speak out now to help ensure that further violence against Tibetans is stopped.
Some info about Tibet:
For centuries Tibet, a country the size of Western Europe, existed as a culturally rich and independently governed nation. A place of great peace and natural magnificence, it gave refuge and religious freedom to a people whose language, laws, institutions and customs were created with one thing in mind: the creation of a society totally imbued with and inspired by love, kindness and human compassion.
That all changed with the invasion of the Chinese in 1949.
Relying on historical misrepresentations and an aggressive imperialism, China and its People's Liberation Army laid claim to the nation of Tibet by proclaiming a need for "liberation" and reform. In 1951 The "17-Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet" was imposed upon the Tibetan government. It was a document designed specifically to destroy their national, cultural and religious identity. With the presence of over 40,000 Chinese troops, the threat of an immediate occupation and the prospective obliteration of the Tibetan state, China had given Tibetans little choice but to cooperate.
Since then, the Tibetan people have become marginalized in their own country, the unique Tibetan culture has been severely restricted and hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have died as a result of the occupation, through torture and execution, suicides, starvation and even forced abortion.
The rich natural resources are diverted to the Chinese mainland and fundamental rights continue to be denied. Simply saying the words “free Tibet” or displaying a Tibetan national flag can result in arrest, torture and imprisonment. Religious freedom has been increasingly restricted: monks and nuns continue to be beaten, arrested and imprisoned for refusing to denounce the Dalai Lama, their spiritual and temporal leader.
Today Tibet is strictly governed by the Chinese Communist Party with the active support of the military, which maintains the occupation with a presence of at least one quarter of a million troops.
Sine 2006, Senior Chinese Communist Party leaders have intensified their focus on the "anti-separatist struggle" in Tibet, indicating their determination to crack down on any dissenting views and actions. At a meeting in Lhasa in May 2006, the new Party Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Zhang Qingli, called for the intensification of the political "patriotic education" campaign. He said the Party is engaged in a "fight to the death struggle" against the Dalai Lama and his supporters (Source: Xinhua) and described the Dalai Lama as "the biggest obstacle hindering Tibetan Buddhism from establishing normal order".
Tibet is currently being transformed, following the launch of the Chinese Communist Party’s “Western Development Strategy” in 1999. This strategy includes major infrastructure and industrial projects - the cornerstone of which is the China-Tibet railway. Most of these projects, including mines and dams are enriching the Chinese, but many destroying the natural beauty of Tibet. The Chinese Communist Party has little to offer Tibetans other than repression.
There is a lot of information about Tibet. Please educating yourself and others by visiting informational Web sites, reading books and articles, and accessing other resources. We can no longer be ignorant.
http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/
http://www.gerefoundation.org/links.html
http://www.gerefoundation.org/resources.html
http://www.gerefoundation.org/
http://www.tibet.org
http://www.tibetanchildrenseducation.org/
Take care,
Sandra Wijnveldt
I am deeply disturbed to learn of the Chinese government's use of brute force against unarmed Tibetans inside Tibet. Supported by tanks, thousands of armed troops have sealed off three major monasteries near Lhasa, Tibet where nonviolent protests were initiated on Monday. Police have fired live ammunition into crowds of unarmed Tibetans and unconfirmed reports from Lhasa indicate that 80 or more Tibetans have been killed.
I've not been pro-boycott, until now, but I think it would be "unconscionable" to attend the Beijing Games if China failed to deal peacefully with unrest in the Himalayan region.
Marches held by Tibetans worldwide this week to mark the 49th anniversary of a failed uprising against Beijing's rule that led to the Dalai Lama fleeing to India (in 1959) were part of a long succession of grievances.
China continues to repress Tibetans' religious aspirations, especially their veneration for the Dalai Lama, who won Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Please urge the United States government or your own government to demand that the government of China:
1) Allow demonstrators to exercise their right to freedom of expression and assembly;
2) Refrain from excessive use of force against Tibetan protesters;
3) Release all Tibetans who have been arrested or detained, and;
4) Allow international media unobstructed access to Tibet.
For five decades, the Tibetan people have suffered greatly under China's brutal rule. The Chinese government has swamped Tibet with Chinese settlers, poured money into mega-infrastructure projects like the railway that solidify its control, and ruthlessly attacked Tibetan culture and religion. As the Olympics approach and the world's eyes turn to Beijing, this outpouring of frustration is the natural consequence of China's ongoing repression in Tibet.
Please speak out now to help ensure that further violence against Tibetans is stopped.
Some info about Tibet:
For centuries Tibet, a country the size of Western Europe, existed as a culturally rich and independently governed nation. A place of great peace and natural magnificence, it gave refuge and religious freedom to a people whose language, laws, institutions and customs were created with one thing in mind: the creation of a society totally imbued with and inspired by love, kindness and human compassion.
That all changed with the invasion of the Chinese in 1949.
Relying on historical misrepresentations and an aggressive imperialism, China and its People's Liberation Army laid claim to the nation of Tibet by proclaiming a need for "liberation" and reform. In 1951 The "17-Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet" was imposed upon the Tibetan government. It was a document designed specifically to destroy their national, cultural and religious identity. With the presence of over 40,000 Chinese troops, the threat of an immediate occupation and the prospective obliteration of the Tibetan state, China had given Tibetans little choice but to cooperate.
Since then, the Tibetan people have become marginalized in their own country, the unique Tibetan culture has been severely restricted and hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have died as a result of the occupation, through torture and execution, suicides, starvation and even forced abortion.
The rich natural resources are diverted to the Chinese mainland and fundamental rights continue to be denied. Simply saying the words “free Tibet” or displaying a Tibetan national flag can result in arrest, torture and imprisonment. Religious freedom has been increasingly restricted: monks and nuns continue to be beaten, arrested and imprisoned for refusing to denounce the Dalai Lama, their spiritual and temporal leader.
Today Tibet is strictly governed by the Chinese Communist Party with the active support of the military, which maintains the occupation with a presence of at least one quarter of a million troops.
Sine 2006, Senior Chinese Communist Party leaders have intensified their focus on the "anti-separatist struggle" in Tibet, indicating their determination to crack down on any dissenting views and actions. At a meeting in Lhasa in May 2006, the new Party Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Zhang Qingli, called for the intensification of the political "patriotic education" campaign. He said the Party is engaged in a "fight to the death struggle" against the Dalai Lama and his supporters (Source: Xinhua) and described the Dalai Lama as "the biggest obstacle hindering Tibetan Buddhism from establishing normal order".
Tibet is currently being transformed, following the launch of the Chinese Communist Party’s “Western Development Strategy” in 1999. This strategy includes major infrastructure and industrial projects - the cornerstone of which is the China-Tibet railway. Most of these projects, including mines and dams are enriching the Chinese, but many destroying the natural beauty of Tibet. The Chinese Communist Party has little to offer Tibetans other than repression.
There is a lot of information about Tibet. Please educating yourself and others by visiting informational Web sites, reading books and articles, and accessing other resources. We can no longer be ignorant.
http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/
http://www.gerefoundation.org/links.html
http://www.gerefoundation.org/resources.html
http://www.gerefoundation.org/
http://www.tibet.org
http://www.tibetanchildrenseducation.org/
Take care,
Sandra Wijnveldt
Do not politicize the Olympics!!
While I don’t agree with the treatment of the Tibetan protestors, I am strongly against those who politicize the Olympics.
Look at the Crazy world we live in now. I think most country wouldn’t qualify to host the Game at all. We all have different views on world affairs. Some consider Tibet part of China and that the protestors shouldn’t cause social disturbance. Some justify the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan; others support Israel right over Jerusalem.
Right or wrong, the Olympic is a sporting event and the spirit of the Games is to bring people of all Nations together
I’ve been living in China for 5 years and the Chinese people are proud to host this wonderful event. Ordinary Chinese see it as an event to welcome the world and show their hospitality. Boycotting the event only shows arrogance and ignorance.
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Dear Jason,
I respect your opinion and I agree with some points. I don't agree with a boycott either, but I still think it would be "unconscionable" to attend the Beijing Games IF China failed to deal peacefully with unrest in the Himalayan region. And maybe it's the only way to make the Chinese government understand. Even the situation of human rights within China is appalling. This incident fully reflects the Chinese government's characteristics: dictatorship and bullying. This year's Olympics in Beijing were an opportunity for China to demonstrate its progress on human rights.
As you say yourself you have lived for 5 years in China so of course you will have heard the story from only one side, the side of the Chinese. Chinese Authorities attempt to confuse the occupation of Tibet by claiming that Tibet has always been a part of China. This is untrue. Tibet was a fully independant state when the Peoples Liberation Army invaded in 1949-50. International Law states that Tibet is an independant state under illegal occupation.
Tibetans live under a climate of fear, intimidation and suspicion under Chinese repression. During the Cultural Revolution 6,000 temples, monastries and sites of significant historical and religious significance were destroyed. Today Tibetans are subject to a discriminatory system of Aparthaid which favours Chinese settlers for housing, healthcare, education and jobs. Of course, it is natural that there is an outburst following the years of frustration.
From exile in Dharmasala, India, the Dalai Llama has for six decades waged a campaign of peaceful non-violent protest against the situation in Tibet and has consistently sought a peaceful solution to the issue through negotiation and dialogue. The Dalai Llama doesn't support a boycott of the Olympics either, but he demands change through dialogue and non-violent means.
China has always done whatever they wanted / pleased without respecting other nations or it's very own people. Just look at China's history - to me a very self destructive image.
But think also environment, think pollution, think wildlife.... Just one of the many examples... While the world is trying to protect the last living tigers living in the wild, the Chinese don't give a damn about what other people think. And because of their prosperity the demand of illegal tiger meat, bones, skin etc... has only increased.
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Dear Sandra,
Further to your comments, I too am against violence and troubled by recent world events. However, I've the opportunity to travel to many countries (including Tibet) and i have to add that China is only part of the world problems.
China isn't the only nation responsible for the destruction of the environment; China have in recent years, introduced major reforms to save the environment (though more needs to be done). For example, China will introduce a law in June banning the use of plastic bags in supermarkets.
China is undergoing a major economic development (just like the West had experienced during the industrial revolution and who were equally responsible for polluting the planet). Now that most Western countries are developed, they can't expect undeveloped/developing countries to forsake economic development. In fact, the honor for worst polluter goes to the U.S.
Many countries have been accused of destroying wild lives and environment; Alantic Salmon, Whales etc. Most countries aren't "innocent".
I watched news from around the world (thru internet and cable) and you could see that some Tibetans are also responsible for causing social unrest, looting, hurting Han Chinese etc.
China was under the "occupation" of Western & Jap. powers during the Qing dynasty and suffered at the hands of these nations. Past and current conflicts among nations, over resources, land etc had and will continue to exist. In Tibet's case, China considers it part of her terrority. As with most terrioritial dispute, this claim was traced back to centuries ago. I think Tibet was also ruled by tyrant rulers for a period of time. Many nations were/are culprits of repressions; U.S. on native Indians, Britian on past Colonial countries, Israel on Palestine etc.
China is not perfect, however, most of China's citizens are proud and happy with their government. Most seek a different kind of freedom from the West; i.e. freedom from hunger, freedom from social unrest, freedom from foreign oppression. We can't assume that the Chinese people share or want the same set of values as other nations.
Lastly, The Olypmic is not a showcase for human rights record but a sporting event. Give China the honor to host this great event, the same honor that was given to many "guilty" nations before Her.
Reply to this
Dear Jason,
HERE ARE MY COMMENTS:
Further to your comments, I too am against violence and troubled by recent world events. However, I've the opportunity to travel to many countries (including Tibet) and i have to add that China is only part of the world problems.
Sandra: YOU ARE RIGHT THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS AROUND THE WORLD - BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE SHOULD LOOK AWAY AND NOT HELP TIBET. IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT WE SHOULDN'T ASK FOR DIALOGUE AND THE RESPECT OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
WHILE TRAVELING IN THE HIMALAYAS IN 1995 I MET MANY TIBETAN REFUGEES. CLOSE TO THE THORONG LA PASS (5416 M) I MET 3 YOUNG BOYS. TWO OF THE BOYS WERE CARRYING ANOTHER BOY. IN 1995 THERE WEREN'T ANY ROADS JUST SMALL PATHS. THE ONLY WAY TO CROSS THE MOUNTAINS WAS WALKING OR ON HORSE / MULE OR YAK BACK. MY TREKKING COMPANION AND I ASKED THE BOYS IF WE COULD HELP THEM BECAUSE THEY LOOKED EXHAUSTED, HUNGRY, FRIGHTENED AND IN PAIN. THE BOYS HAD FLED TIBET, RISKING THEIR LIVES TO BE IN NEPAL. THEY HAD BEEN WALKING FOR WEEKS, CROSSING THE HIGH PASSES IN OLD SHOES WITHOUT ANY PROPER CLOTHING AGAINST THE EXTREME TEMPERATURES. ONE OF THE BOYS WAS IN SEVERE PAIN SO MY TRAVEL COMPANION (WORKING FOR DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS) AND I TOOK OFF HIS SHOES. I HAD NEVER SEEN SOMETHING SO HORRIBLE, THE SMELL NEARLY MADE ME VOMITE. THE POOR BOY HAD FROST BITE TO BOTH FEET AND THE BLACK FLESH WAS HANGING LOOSE FROM THE BONE. WE DID OUR BEST TO HELP HIM, BUT IT'S A SIGHT I WILL NEVER FORGET!
A WEEK LATER WE HEARD FROM OTHER TREKKERS THAT OTHER SMALL GROUPS TRYING TO FLEE TIBET HAD BEEN CHASED BY CHINESE MILITARY AND SOME, INCLUDING A NUN, HAD BEEN SHOT DEAD. A ROMANIAN TREKKER HAD TAKEN PICTURES WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE PAPERS.... BUT DID ANY COUNTRY DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE CAUSE OF THE POOR SUPPRESSED TIBETANS? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING... AND THIS WAS 13 YEARS AGO.
IN 1995 I SLEPT 2 NIGHTS IN A TIBETAN REFUGEE CAMP CLOSE TO POKHARA, BUT LAST YEAR, DECEMBER 2006 I RETURNED TO POKHARA AND THE SITUATION HADN'T CHANGED MUCH. OF COURSE THE TIBETAN REFUGEES ARE GETTING GOOD EDUCATION, BUT STILL THEIR LIVES ARE VERY DIFFICULT.
IN KATHMANDU I SAW MANY YOUNG TIBETAN MEN - ANGRY, FRUSTRATED, BUT CAN YOU BLAME THEM. FOR SO MANY YEARS NOBODY HAS CARED ABOUT THEIR SITUATION. DURING A CONVERSATION ONE OF THE GUYS SAID THAT IT WAS VERY FRUSTRATING FOR THEM TO SEE HOW QUICKLY COUNTRIES RICH IN OIL (LIKE KUWAIT - IRAQ) WERE "FREED" FROM INVADERS... THE VIOLENCE OF SOME MEN OVER THE LAST DAYS IS THE OUTBURST OF MANY YEARS OF RESENTMENT.
China isn't the only nation responsible for the destruction of the environment; China have in recent years, introduced major reforms to save the environment (though more needs to be done). For example, China will introduce a law in June banning the use of plastic bags in supermarkets.
Sandra: YES I KNOW IT IS FANTASTIC NEWS THAT CHINA WILL BAN THE USE OF CERTAIN TYPES OF PLASTIC BAGS. I POSTED A MESSAGE PRAISING CHINA FOR THIS INITIATIVE ON MY BLOG IN JANUARY. I HAVE WRITTEN SEVERAL ARTICLES REGARDING THE PLASTIC POLLUTION. YOU CAN FIND THEM IN THE ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY
- http://blog.gorpproductions.com/2008/01/09/chinas-new-war-on-plastic-bags.aspx
- http://blog.gorpproductions.com/2008/01/11/good-news-australia-follows-china-in-tackling-plastic-bags.aspx
- http://blog.gorpproductions.com/2008/01/13/must-see-this-documentary-message-in-the-waves.aspx
STILL FACT IS THAT A TOTAL OF 16 OUT OF THE TOP 20 MOST POLLUTED CITIES ARE IN CHINA. SOME CITIES ARE SO TOXIC AND SO POLLUTED IT WILL TAKE CENTURIES TO CLEAN UP.
China is undergoing a major economic development (just like the West had experienced during the industrial revolution and who were equally responsible for polluting the planet).
Sandra: YES I AGREE, EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO DEVELOP AND PROSPER, BUT I STILL BELIEVE THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE TO THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IN THE LATE 18th - 19th CENTURY AND TO WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW IN CHINA. BACK IN THE 19th CENTURY THE PEOPLE DIDN'T KNOW BETTER. CHINA KNOWS VERY WELL WHAT THEY ARE DOING, THEY KNOW THEIR CRIMES TO NATURE AND PEOPLE. THEY KNOW VERY WELL THAT THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE FELT FOR CENTURIES. BUT STILL THEY CHOOSE TO DO IT.
IT'S LIKE SMOKING IN THE 50's - THE PEOPLE WHO STARTED SMOKING BACK THEN DIDN'T KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF SMOKING, BUT NOW IF YOU START SMOKING WITH ALL WE HAVE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS ABOUT CANCERS AND DISEASES CAUSED BY SMOKING YOU ARE A CRIMINAL TO YOUR OWN BODY AND TO OTHERS LIVING AROUND YOU.
Now that most Western countries are developed, they can't expect undeveloped/developing countries to forsake economic development. In fact, the honor for worst polluter goes to the U.S.
Many countries have been accused of destroying wild lives and environment; Alantic Salmon, Whales etc. Most countries aren't "innocent".
Sandra: I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU AND I HOPE EVERY DAY THAT PEOPLE WILL START TO RESPECT OUR BEAUTIFUL PLANET A BIT MORE.
I watched news from around the world (thru internet and cable) and you could see that some Tibetans are also responsible for causing social unrest, looting, hurting Han Chinese etc.
Sandra: YES SO HAVE I, BUT OVER THE LAST DAYS MORE INDEPENDENT VIDEO'S HAVE BEEN SHOWN AND NOT ONLY THE IMAGES FROM CHINA. CHINA DIDN'T ALLOW ANY PRESS IN TIBET, OF COURSE BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO TURN THE SITUATION INTO THEIR FAVOUR. THESE VIDEO'S WERE SMUGGLED OUT OF TIBET BY TOURISTS (BRITS, AUSTRALIANS ETC) HAVE SHOWN THE REAL SITUATION. JUST LOOK AT THE IMAGES OF THE BBC WORLD, THEY SAY ENOUGH.
China was under the "occupation" of Western & Jap. powers during the Qing dynasty and suffered at the hands of these nations. Past and current conflicts among nations, over resources, land etc had and will continue to exist. In Tibet's case, China considers it part of her terrority. As with most terrioritial dispute, this claim was traced back to centuries ago. I think Tibet was also ruled by tyrant rulers for a period of time. Many nations were/are culprits of repressions; U.S. on native Indians, Britian on past Colonial countries, Israel on Palestine etc.
Sandra: YES, BUT AGAIN IT DOESN'T GIVE THE CHINESE THE RIGHT TO ACT IN SUCH WAY.
China is not perfect, however, most of China's citizens are proud and happy with their government. Most seek a different kind of freedom from the West; i.e. freedom from hunger, freedom from social unrest, freedom from foreign oppression. We can't assume that the Chinese people share or want the same set of values as other nations.
Sandra: I GUESS YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO THE RICH CHINESE LIVING IN THE CITIES. DID YOU EVERY SPEAK TO ONE OF THE MANY MILLION FACTORY WORKERS? HAVE YOU EVER HAD THE CHANCE WHILE LIVING IN CHINA TO ASK THEM IF THEY WERE HAPPY, IF THEIR LIFE HAD ANY MEANING? HAVE YOU ASKED THEM IF THEY ENJOYED LIVING IN SMALL, CRAMPED COLD ROOMS SLEEPING IN BUNKBEDS? THIS IS NOT A SMALL AMOUNT OF PEOPLE LIVING LIKE THIS, THIS IS THE MAJORITY. THESE PEOPLE ARE WORKING (MIN) 16 HOURS FOR 7 DAYS.
I KNOW THEY HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE, MEN HAVE TO LEAVE THEIR VILLAGES TO WORK BECAUSE THERE AREN'T ENOUGH WOMEN TO MARRY. IF THEY EARN EXTRA MONEY IN THE FACTORIES THEY HAVE A BIGGER CHANCE OF GETTING A BRIDE. FOR THE LUCKY ONES THAT DO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO START A FAMILY - WELL THEY HARDLY SEE EACH OTHER. ONLY ONCE A YEAR FOR THE CHINESE NEW YEAR. HAVE YOU EVER TALKED TO THE MILLIONS OF CHILDREN GROWING UP WITH THEIR GRANDPARENTS? A WHOLE GENERATION ONLY GETS TO SEE THEIR PARENTS ONCE A YEAR. IT BROKE MY HEART TO SEE THESE CHILDREN.
Lastly, The Olypmic is not a showcase for human rights record but a sporting event. Give China the honor to host this great event, the same honor that was given to many "guilty" nations before Her.
Sandra: AGAIN, I AM NOT PRO BOYCOTT, I AM JUST ASKING PEOPLE TO PUT PRESSURE ON CHINA, DEMANDING RESPECT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMMEDIATELY PERMIT INDEPENDENT MONITORS TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF TIBETANS DETAINED IN TIBET. GIVEN THE LONG AND WELL-DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF TORTURE OF POLITICAL ACTIVISTS BY CHINA'S SECURITY FORCES THERE IS EVERY REASON TO FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF THOSE RECENTLY DETAINED. ONLY BY GIVING ACCESS TO INDEPENDENT MONITORS CAN CHINA GIVE THE WORLD SOME CONFIDENCE THAT DETAINEES ARE NOT BEING TORTURED OR MISTREATED. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS VIRTUALLY SEALED OFF TIBET, EXPELLING OR TURNING AWAY FOREIGN JOURNALISTS AND TOURISTS. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS LONG BANNED INDEPENDENT HUMAN RIGHTS OBSERVERS FROM TIBET AND PUNISHES TIBETANS WHO SEND INFORMATION OUT OF THE COUNTRY REGARDING THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION.
TAKE CARE,
Sandra Wijnveldt
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Dear Sandra,
It's true that there are still many unfortunate people in China. However, having travelled to at least 30 cities and lived in 5 cities (including some very poor cities), I would dare say that the majority of Chinese people have better standard of living. I trust you have visited China before and you would see/hear that many locals are generally better. Not to forget, China has only recently embark on economic reforms. It took the West many years to achieve the same economic success. Of course, some may be left behind; but many Chinese have better standard of living, better medical & education. Their success is remarkable and appluable. Why do many adults work in factories and leave their kids behind. One reason is their culture, whereby adults want the best for the future generations and to take care of the old. They believe it's their responsibilies unlike the West; the old will have to take care of themselves. Of course, the West believe in individualism; which is also a good thing depending on culture.
As for Tibet, the Chinese government has to govern with an iron fist. They can't tolerate any disruption to society as it might lead to disintergration of China. Many Chinese will choose country & society over individual. What would happen if they allow the protest and riots to continue. It might spread to more cities and regions. That is why the Chinese rule with an iron fist..I doubt the Chinese would like to follow the footsteps of Russia.
I seen footage of both international & local news and you can see the ugly side of both Chinese and Tibetians. Chinese media will of course broadcast the riots and attacks on Han minority and shops while Western media reports on Chinese aggressions. In fact, there are a couple of photos that were fabricated by Western media..e.g.there is a footage showing a boy being carried away by Chinese forces when in fact the footage was taken in India.
In some countries, there is a ban on protest as it might lead to social unrest.
The West had achieved economic success and thus consider human rights as their priority. However, the West were responsible for many human rights violaiton in the past.
I don't mean that China can violate human rights using economic growth as an excuse. However, most developing countries have other more important priorities i.e. to feed their population. The West may say "give me my freedom & rights or give me death", but others may say "give me food and feed my hungry child".
Many countries don't share the same priorities like the West. I don't think the West should force others to follow theirs.
I think engaging China would be a better option rather than pressuring or forcing, especially if others are practising double standards. I believe that as China opens up, China will slowly embrace human rights.
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I am not pro-China, nor I agree with the PRC's policy to Tibet. I love Tibet and I love the people there. However, I strongly suggest you to check your 'fact'. The riot in Tibet is not that simple. The Tibetans involved are not 'unarmed' as you said, they were armed and this is an organized crime. And I strongly question how they represent the interests of the majority of the Tibetan there in Tibet.
Also, in case if you really believed in this kind of 'propaganda' statement about how innocent Tibet was before 1949, please note that there were feudal system and slavery in Tibet, under the ruling of Dalai Lama. He did nothing to abolish that system (or he was not able to). There is no nation can truly built with 'love, kindness and human compassion', unless that is an unrealistic utopia, or just a propaganda statement.To fight back to the PRC, we should avoid using the same disgusting tactics such as 'reinventing' fact like they did.
Instead of pointing finger to the Chinese government only, we should also ask why Dalai Lama approved this kind of violence. Aren't we Buddhists supposed to against violence? He only called for the PRC to restrain from 'force' but not to the Tibetan who burn and robbed the shops, and attacking innocent people on the street (Tibetan and Han Chinese).
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Dear Joy,
I do not so much believe in words.... politicians use a lot of "words". I prefer to look at actions and deeds. If I look at how the Dalai Lama has lived his whole life, I have so much respect for him. Has he ever talked about taking revenge, about hatred - no never. Every single book, every single speech has always been about making yourself a better, wiser, more loving and caring person - and he has ACTED this way his whole life. He has been an example to not only his people, but to people worldwide, not by telling them what to do but by walking the talk.
I am not against China, not at all because who am I to judge, but if I look at the actions of Chinese (and I do not want to generalize) from THIS DAY to where ever time in the past, very little has changed on how it's citizens, nature etc are treated. One of the many examples the book "Wild swans: three daughters of China" written by Chinese author Jung Chang. I assume you have read this book where Jung Chang is writing about 3 generations living in China - her mother, her grandmother and great-grandmother. The story shows so well how the Chinese think. There is just no way to negotiate with them if they have set their minds on something. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can stop them. They'll crush whoever is in their way.
I am just asking people to put pressure on China, demanding respect of the human rights. The Chinese government should immediately permit independent monitors to have access to the large number of Tibetans detained in Tibet. Given the long and well-documented history of torture of political activists by China's security forces there is every reason to fear for the safety of those recently detained. Only by giving access to independent monitors can China give the world some confidence that detainees are not being tortured and mistreated or even killed. The Chinese government has virtually sealed off Tibet, expelling or turning away foreign journalists and tourists. The Chinese government has long banned independent human rights observers from Tibet and punishes Tibetans who send information out of the country regarding the human rights situation.
Of course the first images you have seen on T.V were the Chinese images. But over the last days more video's have been shown. Most of these images / video's were smuggled out of Tibet by tourists and these are showing the real situation. Just look at the images of the BBC World. They say enough.
The Dalai Lama called for an end to the violence in Tibetan regions and said on Tuesday he would step down as the head of Tibet's government-in-exile if that would stop the bloodshed. The Dalai Lama says the rioting in Lhasa, which followed several days of peaceful marches by Tibet's Buddhist clergy, was spontaneous. And I believe him.
While traveling in the Himalaya in 1995 and in 2006 I did see / speak to some young Tibetan refugees (I even slept 2 days in a refugee camp) who were frustrated and even angry but can you blame them? For so many years nobody has cared about their situation. During a conversation one of them said that it was very frustrating for them to see how quickly countries rich in oil (like Kuwait - Iraq) were "freed" from their invaders.
The violence of some men over the last days is the outburst of many years of resentment and suppression. I don't say it's good, but I can understand.
Take care,
Sandra
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Dear Sandra,
Please urge the United States government or your own government to demand that the government of China:
I DON'T THINK ANY COUNTRY SHOULD DEMAND SOMETHING FROM ANOTHER. THAT MIGHT SEEM ARROGRANT OR FORCEFUL.
1) Allow demonstrators to exercise their right to freedom of expression and assembly;
RIGHT FROM UNREST, RIGHT FROM VIOLENCE, RIGHT FROM HUNGER..ETC...ARE THE PRIORITIES FOR MOST DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
2) Refrain from excessive use of force against Tibetan protesters;
I DOUBT THERE WOULD BE VIOLENCE IF THERE WASN'T A PROTEST IN THE FIRST PLACE. MOREVER, SOME TIBETIANS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR VIOLENCE TOO.
3) Release all Tibetans who have been arrested or detained, and;
TIBETIANS WHO WERE VIOLENT AND DESTROYED PROPERTIES SHOULD BE TRIALED ACCORDINGLY TO LAW.
4) Allow international media unobstructed access to Tibet.
UNOBSTRUCTED ACCESS? I DON'T THINK ANY COUNTRY ALLOWS THAT. EVEN IN U.S. THERE IS MEDIA BLOCKAGE IN TIMES OF NATIONAL INTEREST. E.G. GULF WAR...DELAYED AND CENSORED.
For five decades, the Tibetan people have suffered greatly under China's brutal rule. The Chinese government has swamped Tibet with Chinese settlers, poured money into mega-infrastructure projects like the railway that solidify its control, and ruthlessly attacked Tibetan culture and religion. As the Olympics approach and the world's eyes turn to Beijing, this outpouring of frustration is the natural consequence of China's ongoing repression in Tibet.
INFRASTRUCTURES ARE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ANY COUNTRY.SETTLERS ARE PART OF ANY COUNTRY'S MIGRATION. JUST LIKE THE U.S. (INDIANS), AUSTRALIA (ABORIGINAL)..ETC
I DON'T THINK THAT THE DALAI LAMA ORCHESTRATE THIS PROTEST AND HE DID TRY TO PACIFY THE SITUATION.
INSTEAD OF PROTEST, DEMANDS AND FORCE...ENGAGEMENT IS A BETTER OPTION.
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