by Mark Kranenburg for NRC Handelsblad
07-05-2009
China is 'concerned' about the Dalai Lama's visit to the Netherlands in June. It has subtly warned of 'negative consequences' for Dutch-Chinese relations. 'When it comes to our national integrity, there is no room for compromise,' says ambassador Zhang Jun.
He has just celebrated his first year in the The Hague. Zhang Jun (48, pictured on the right), the People's Republic of China's ambassador to the Netherlands, is representative of the new China in all things: he speaks perfect English, he is well-informed and he is everywhere - from the opening of the Keukenhof flower gardens to the Chinese New Year's celebrations in the centre of The Hague. He has met personally with the management of Philips, DSM and Damen Shipyards.
A personal letter
And then there is politics. It was "with great concern" that Zhang learnt about a planned meeting in The Hague on June 4 and 5 between members of the Dutch parliament and the Dalai Lama, he wrote in a letter to Henk Jan Ormel, president of the foreign affairs committee. "It is against my wish to see that our good relationship would be hijacked by dalai and the image of the Dutch parliament be tarnished by his visit," the ambassador warned.
Zhang is "surprised" that the letter was made public. "It was a personal letter," the ambassador says in the immense reception hall of the Chinese embassy in The Hague, a stone's throw from the Catshuis, the official residence of the Dutch prime minister. He wants to explain why China is having such a hard time with the Dalai Lama's visit to the Netherlands. But first he wants to stress the "excellent relationship" between China and the Netherlands, and how an "even better collaboration" would be in the interest of both countries.
Chinese interests
The Dalai Lama's visit is highly undesirable in Chinese eyes. China is not overreacting at all, says Zhang.
"The Tibet issue touches on Chinese territorial integrity. Fundamental Chinese interests are at stake. The Dalai Lama travels the world with the aim of separating Tibet from China. In particular, he is trying to gain the support of a number of Western countries. He uses these visits to mislead world opinion. No other country would ignore to let this happen if they are against its national interest, and China too." "My country has a long history of foreign invasions, occupations and colonial domination. Its territorial integrity is still being threatened. We have no choice but to stand up for our national unity with all means. We have no wish to interfere in other countries' internal affairs, but we hope that other countries in turn will not interfere with internal affairs in China."
Religion or politics?
The Netherlands is saying the Dalai Lama will be received as a religious leader, not as a politician.
"The Dalai Lama is not merely a religious leader. He is also a political exile. He is also a political figure. The so-called constitution of the [Tibetan] government in exile clearly names the Dalai Lama as the political representative of that government."
So there is no difference between a religious and a political leader?
"Of course not. Just look at his activities. The Dalai Lama travels around the world for political purpose and has a full political agenda. Isn't it crystal-clear that he never abandoned to seek for independence of Tibet? Even if you look at his concept for what he calls autonomy for Tibet, it is definitely independence."
So Dutch politicians are blind to the truth?
"All I want to say is that a religious leader would never seek for independence. It is not a religious question but a political one. When it comes to religious affairs or human rights, China is open to dialogue and good advise. But when it comes to our national integrity, there is no room for compromise or to step backwards.''
Is this visit an insult to China then?
"I don't want to see it that way. The Netherlands has clearly stated that it adopts the One-China policy. The Netherlands respects Chinese sovereignty. It is a matter of principle."
China is clear: no visits
Is there a difference between inviting the Dalai Lama and - like Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen (picture, right) intends to do - meeting him somewhere?
"The Chinese position is very clear on this point. We oppose any visit by the Dalai Lama to any country. And we oppose any visit by the Dalai Lama to any politician in any country. We are in close contact with the [Dutch] foreign ministry; and we understand each other very well.''
What could the effect of the Dalai Lama on Dutch-Chinese relations be?
"I don't want to predict. We have to avoid any harmful effect on our good relations. And that means it is not a good idea to busy ourselves with the question of what might be more or less acceptable. We have good relations, there is a good atmosphere. Let's keep it this way. I won't tell you what the next step will be. I have full confidence in the wisdom of Dutch politicians."
You are only warning them?
"Yes, but we know from visits by the Dalai Lama to other countries that there can be negative consequences."
But you won't give a concrete example?
"I want to avoid the consequences."
No internal affair
Dutch politicians are saying: we will decide for ourselves who to invite or not.
"I have explained the background. If this is understood, you can no longer say that this is an internal affair of another country. It concerns China's fundamental interests. If this wasn't the case I wouldn't have done anything."
What should Dutch parliamentarians ask the Dalai Lama during their meeting?
(laughs) "I don't think I can answer that question. Our position is clear: we don't want the Dalai Lama to meet with politicians."
A Dutch parliamentary delegation wants to visit China in July? Will this jeopardise their visit?
"I have reported it but I haven't received an answer from Beijing yet."
Do you think it could be a problem?
"Again, let's not anticipate."
Published by RNW in partnership with NRC Handelsblad International
Picture of the ambassador © China Embassy
Tags:
China,
dalai lama,
Tibet
David Berridge,
10-05-2009
- Canada
Why doesn't the Chinese diplomatic corps become more sophisticated and start a malicious rumour that the DL has the H1N1 flu? This other flagrant obtuse methodology is well outdated, and invites a negative view on China instead. If the DL cannot influence a change in status for Tibet as China claims, why then encourage an international boycott of him? To elevate his status as a recognized symbol of international peace, would serve the Chinese to be able to use the DL's diplomatic image to quell the younger generation of Tibetans from engaging in "mass incidents", which do far more damage to China's international reputation.
freedom fighter,
09-05-2009
- USA
Death to China!
China is Evil.
I say we nuke them and kill them all.
F**k China, Go to Hell China.
Netherlands: Please don't be afraid of china, they are the Devil incarnate.
Kill all chinese people. they are worse than terrorist.
tambaramblog,
07-05-2009
- India
This is the double standards that everyone wanted to forget in the third world countries, but in vain. The western countries preaching democracy to everybody else fails to do the same for china. Because it is a powerfull country with nuclear weapons and a permanent member of the security council. Nobody dares to speak anything about china. how would you expect the third world countries to have confidence in democracy when a permanent member of the security council itself is not a democracy. And it certainly meddle with the government of the neighbouring countries and beyond according to its wishes. It wanted the western countries to behave according to its wishes. At this point I would only hope that a western country would raise its voice against chinese brutalities in Tibet and Tiwan.
Paul,
07-05-2009
- Canada
The Chinese communist party wishes to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Telling politicians who they can and cannot meet.
We find out quickly which politicians have integrity and which are weak, fallible to the Chinese communist party's bullying tactics.
The Tibetans have transparency on their side. The Chinese communist party are constantly distorting the truth, peddling revisionist history.
What is the communist party of China so afraid of? It is surprising that the Chinese communist party leaders are so fearful. Do they fear transparency? Do they fear the truth? Do they fear the world that exists outside their wall of distortion? It is clear that these individuals have yet to grasp true power. Perhaps one day they will collectively wake up and begin acting like men, and shed their emotionally immature adolescence. It is time the world community forged a common policy in its dealings with the Chinese communist party and issues related to human rights, and in particular Tibet. No matter what the cost. This bullying is just the tip of the iceberg. If left unchecked it will soon become unmanageable. This schoolyard bullying behavior needs to be addressed early. The assimilation of Tibet into China would be an insurmountable loss for all humanity. The loss of Tibetan culture will leave us in the dark ages.While we have been busy exploring the outer world, the material aspects of our existence, the Tibetans have been exploring the inner worlds. The psyche. Existence. The Tibetan culture offers a wealth of treasure and most important, a balance.
Only ones so mired in greed, lust for power, fear, lack of understanding, and ignorance would rush to destroy such treasures. Would trade exhaustible resources for inexhaustible wisdom. We shall see if we, as a human race, are ready for such a step. The outcome in Tibet will provide a clear indicator. Perhaps we, as a human race, can avoid near annihilation before we see the light. The opportunity is present now. I applaud the Dutch parliament.
Some interesting information (censored in China - of course): http://www.tibet.com/WhitePaper/exesum.html
Niki,
07-05-2009
- USA
I think the ambassador is very silly and foolish. I think he is saying nothing and meanless.
TonyP4,
07-05-2009
- usa
Free Tibet, my holy foot
Please do not liberate my country. I understand your energy, good nature and idealism. I was the same when I was at your age. I hope you’re there to protest for China when your ancestors pushed opium to China. First, thanks you all. Now, I’m a naturalized US citizen collecting generous welfare benefits. You do not understand how my life has been improved staying here. Just imagine living in the highest mountain in your country year round. There are always folks wanting to be kings and queens. They have their ambitions and revolutionary ideas. Some may want to steal ‘legally’. The last ones went to India after the failed revolt sponsored by CIA. What do you feel if US and Brits drop arms from airplane into Quebec? Please let me know who sponsor today’s Tibetan movements – not seem to be a Mickey Mouse production. They do not speak for the common folks who just want a peaceful life. News on Tibet must feed a lot of reporters in the west but hurt their conscience. Some are not true and some were reported from the desk. The recent Tibetan riot was started when Han Chinese were murdered but was reported wrongly with photos that were bought and modified to indicate it was the other way round. To be fair, Chinese reporters are no angels.
The Chinese will not give up Tibet. It is the major water source for most of Asia. How many territories within a country are now independent? We get more from the Chinese than giving back. Our standard of living improves substantially and so is our literacy rate (in our old feudal system, only monks could learn). Where else in China citizens get free medical care and education?
The new train and the proposed 750 small dams to generate electricity are recent gifts. I bet the extraction of natural Chinese will improve our living standard further. It is the same as opening a casino in an Indian reservation. The benefits outnumber the drawbacks.
China had been ruled by Mongolians and Manchurians in history. We’re one of the 55 minorities, same as the blacks in your country or the Quebec French in Canada. Dali Lama must be the best salesman on earth with the circus of silly and most likely uneducated Hollywood celebrities. If there were one like him for Mongolia, one for Manchuria, you guys will be busy for a long while.
Unless you can convince your congress to send soldiers to ‘liberate’ us, please do not stir up our rebellious sentiment towards the Chinese. The more you do, the more our folks suffer and ‘disappear’.
Spend your energy elsewhere. The choices are unlimited: CEOs enjoying outrageous benefits/bonuses from companies receiving bailouts, or killing Iraqi children in a war you cannot afford. Just leave our 2 million souls in Tibet alone. Check for the last 200 years, who are the ones that invade and colonize? Not Chinese for sure as they had been victims.
Everywhere in China, you see Tibetan cultures have been maintained (excluding the Cultural Revolution) – different from what your ‘reporters’ report. All the minorities have been exempted from the one-child policy. Check out the following link. Do they look oppressed to you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVaPR0mFFio&feature=related
It sounds like propaganda. I want you to know that I have no connection with the Chinese government. Your action on the wheel-chair torch bearer for Olympic showed the world how barbarous and coward you are.
I just want to be realistic and the world at least my world will be more peaceful without your demonstrations. I wrote the above from the mind of the silent majority of Tibetans.
boby,
06-05-2009
- cuba
May 09, 2009
So there is no difference between a religious and a political leader? Neither is not difference between the Pope a religious leader and the head of the Vatican State.
So what is the problem of the government of China?
