Good for Taiwan
I was happy to read the news that Taiwan stood up to China and refused to accept the proposed torch relay route.
“In rejecting the torch route, Taiwan officials said the Taiwan-Hong Kong contiguity made the island appear to be a part of China, despite their separate status. It said that it would only participate when China stopped “downgrad(ing) Taiwanese sovereignty.” - Olympic Torch Won’t Enter Taiwan, AP, September 21, 2007
Of course, Chinese officials are furious and are accusing Taipei of politicizing the Games. But their cries won’t distract anyone from the reality that they just lost a major battle and are weaker because of it. By running the torch through Taiwan and up Mount Everest, they hoped to firmly implant the idea of One China in people’s minds. Now Taiwan has completely undermined this plan.
China is still going to run the torch through Tibet next year. I wish we Tibetans were in a position to reject it too. I know that the situation in Taiwan is different from that in Tibet, but I can’t help but imagine what a strong message it would send if the Tibetan leadership would openly denounce China’s political use of the Games and call on the Chinese government not to run the torch through Tibetan soil.
Posted: September 24th, 2007 under News.
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Comments: 5
Comments
Comment from spysmustgo
Time: September 24, 2007, 4:17 pm
Check out this article written by a former Canadian diplomat, arguing that “ideology” such as human rights and religious freedom should not be on the agenda of Canadian leadership versus authoritarian countries such as China.
If this is the quality and standard of Canadian diplomats I feel sorry for the country, not only is it full of the regular chinese propaganda, it is badly written…
Comment from spysmustgo
Time: September 24, 2007, 4:30 pm
The german magazine “Der Spiegel” has many newsclips with good arguments why world leaders SHOULD meet Dalai Lama. I find them much more convincing than the arguments from the former Canadian diplomat.
Remember if you are a real friend of China, then you tell the truth to China, instead of playing a game and pretending something!! USA is Chinas best friend and largest trade partner, but it is not afraid to also tell China when it disagrees, this is how true friends should act!
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,507471,00.html
Comment from Rich
Time: September 24, 2007, 7:16 pm
Speaking of Taiwan, take a look at this article: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=17947
I’m waiting for Taiwan to carry through with the government “restructuring” Chen speaks about regarding official policy on Tibet, but certainly won’t be holding my breath. Still, this was a bold speech and I’m hopeful that we’re seeing at least an incremental change in how Taiwan views Tibet, for the better.
Comment from kat
Time: October 3, 2007, 2:48 pm
I think things may begin looking better. I’ve always been annoyingly optimistic, but we’ll see.
About the Longsho concert, will that be televised? Just curious, I’d love to watch it and tape it, to have a showing for my Tibet group at school.
Comment from ChinaRulesTibet
Time: January 26, 2008, 9:51 pm
Go fuck yourself. China has ruled tibet for many centuries and will continue to do so after you are dead.
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