Pro-indpendence Tibetan youth submit memorandum
to Indian Foreign Secretary
Kalsang Rinchen
Phayul
July 12, 2010
Dharamsala, July 12 — A group of Tibetans with a different viewpoint on the future of Tibet from that of the Dalai Lama and exile Tibetan government have submitted a memorandum to the visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao on Saturday.
While thanking the Indian government for providing refuge to the displaced Tibetans, the Tibetans urged the Indian government to review its policy towards Tibet. They wrote they owed to Indian government the revival of Tibetan life in India and the “resurrection of international awareness and confidence within the struggle.”
Rao, former Indian Ambassador to China, visited the headquarters of the exile Tibetan government Saturday and met with the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and exile Tibetan Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche. Sources say that Rao spent about an hour with the Tibetan leader in a closed-door meeting that discussed “issues of common interest.”
Led by Tenzin Tsundue, a prominent Tibetan youth and activist seeking complete independence for Tibet, the memorandum had signatures of two dozen Tibetan artistes, intellectuals, writers, translators and activists living here. On
Saturday, the Tibetans waited outside the Chonor House, where Rao was staying during her two day visit here, to handover the memorandum.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the exile Tibetan government here maintain that they are seeking a genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China. However, activists like Tsundue and the Tibetan youth
signatories to the memorandum believe that independence is the only goal for Tibet. Tenzin Tsundue said, “Only an independent Tibet can guarantee the survival of the Tibetan people, our culture and the nation. The 2008 uprising in Tibet is a clear public mandate that the Tibetans in Tibet are willing to even die, but not live under Chinese colonial rule.”
The petitioners believe that the Tibetan struggle is not just to find a temporary arrangement for the exile Tibetans to return home, but to seek a long-term interest for the survival of the Tibetan people and the nation. “And therefore whatever may be the policies being held by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the exile government; we believe very strongly that the goal of the struggle cannot be anything less than Independence,” read the memorandum.
“The difference in the political stands between His Holiness and us doesn’t divide us on our principled belief in Nonviolence. The Tibetan freedom struggle is based on the Buddhist principles of nonviolence, and when we hit the
streets with our direct action campaigns we are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha,” the memorandum read.
The Tibetans also wrote that India can never validate its legal and historical claim over its Himalayan states as long as China continues its occupation of Tibet.
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) made intrusions at many places along the Indian border last year. China last year objected to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, claimed by China as its territory but India allowed the visit. China also issued stapled visas on separate sheets to Indian nationals from Jammu and Kashmir, virtually questioning the state’s accession to India.

UK calls for greater autonomy in Tibet
By Phurbu Thinley
Phayul
July 14, 2010
Dharamsala, July 14 — Britain’s visiting foreign secretary called Wednesday for greater autonomy and human rights in Tibet, media reports said.
Speaking on his first visit to China since becoming foreign secretary, William Hague, said the UK had “long-standing human rights concerns” in Tibet.
Mr Hague, on a trip to strengthen bilateral trade, made the remarks during a press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Beijing.
“We want to see long-term stability for Tibet, which in our view implies work on human rights and greater autonomy,” Hague said.
The Chinese counterpart, according to AP, said that their differences on the issue will not negatively affect ties.
“We believe that the common interests of the two countries far outweigh the differences between the two sides,” Mr Yang was quoted as saying.
Chinese state media, however, made no mention of any of the Tibet-related remarks made by Mr Hague. In a brief report Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency instead cited Hague as saying “Britain recognized that Tibet and Taiwan were inalienable parts of the Chinese territory.”
Despite the strong trade, the relationship between China and Britain has been troubled by commercial disputes, rows over climate change and China’s execution late last year of a British national convicted of drug trafficking, despite repeated requests to halt the sentence from London.
Mr Hague met Premier Wen Jiabao later Wednesday. He is scheduled to travel to Japan on Thursday, where he was expected to meet top officials including the prime minister and foreign minister, along with business leaders.
Britain’s newly elected Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron, in a recent message conveyed to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in response to a felicitation for his successful election victory, said his government will “continue to urge the Chinese to make progress towards meaningful autonomy for Tibet.”
“We will continue to impress upon the Chinese the importance of substantive dialogue with the Tibetan representatives in good faith. This is the only way to bring about a lasting and peaceful solution to the problems in Tibet.
The Government considers that underlying issues can only be resolved through meaningful dialogue between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and the Chinese authorities. Our interest is in long term stability, which can only achieved through respect for human rights and greater autonomy for the Tibetans,” Mr Cameron said.

India prohibits Karmapa’s US visit
Phayul
July 15, 2010
Dharamsala, July 15 — The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee has been denied permission by the Indian government to travel to the United States, his aides have told the Indo Asian News Service. The young head of Kagyu tradition of the Tibetan Buddhism was scheduled to leave for the United States on a two week religious tour on the invitation of Karma Triyana Dharamchakra centre in Woodstock in New York. The Karmapa was to attend religious events that began Wednesday.
“We fail to understand that why restrictions were imposed on his movement as the tour was purely a religious one. Moreover, the government has not cited any reason for declining to grant permission,” Gonpo Tsering, an aide of Karmapa was quoted as saying.
This is the second time that the young Lama often touted by the media as a probable successor to the Dalai Lama has been prohibited to visit abroad this year. In April, the Indian government did not grant permission to the Karmapa to visit Europe where he was to give religious teachings from May 27 to July 2.
The young head of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism made his maiden and only visit outside India in May 2008 to the United States after the Ministry of External Affairs of the Indian government granted him permission in February 2008. The visit took place between May 15 to June 2, 2008.
Born on June 26, 1985, in Kham region of eastern Tibet, Karmapa is the only Tibetan religious personality who is recognized both by the Dalai Lama and China. China in 2007 introduced a rule that bans Tibetan lamas without China’s approval, a move that analysts say is intended to influence the selection of the next Dalai Lama. China says all reincarnate lamas of Tibet or “living Buddhas” must have government’s approval. The Tibetans don’t agree and say Beijing is now interfering even in the ancient and traditional reincarnation system of the Tibetan Buddhism for its ulterior political motives.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu asks China to allow Tibetans to
celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 75th birthday
“Today I join Free Tibet in celebrating the 75th birthday of my great friend Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, the spiritual and political leader of Tibetans both inside Tibet and in exile.
My great sadness today is that in Tibet people face very grave consequences if they join me in celebrating the birthday of this extraordinary man who they hold so dear. Tibetans in Tibet cannot openly pray for his long life or burn incense to mark his birthday, as is traditional for Tibetan Buddhists; nor can they carry or display a photograph of their Dalai Lama without fear of punishment, including detention and even torture. Great efforts are taken in Tibet to minimise his influence: monks and nuns are forced to denounce the Dalai Lama or face a variety of measures from fines to expulsion from their monastery or nunnery.
All these restrictions are terrible violations of the universal right to freedom of religion and religious belief as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
My friend’s lifelong commitment to compassion, tolerance and non-violence have earned him respect throughout the world, and in 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has inspired not only me, but also people of all faiths from all corners of the globe, to live with compassion and grace even when faced with the most difficult circumstances.
While people across the world freely and publicly celebrate this most auspicious day, the 75th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I join Free Tibet in asking the Chinese government to please, please stop preventing the veneration in Tibet of a man who is such an example to us all of compassion, tolerance and forgiveness. To the international community, I ask you today to please hold in your hearts and thoughts the many people in Tibet who are forced to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama in secret. The people of Tibet may not be able to read my words today, but my wish is that they know that we stand in solidarity with them, petitioning on their behalf that they may be able openly and freely to celebrate this 75th birthday of their revered and beloved Dalai Lama.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 6 July 2010
Source Free Tibet

Dharamsala ondemns Tibet Sentences, Urges China for Magnanimity
The Central Tibetan Administration is deeply concerned that the Chinese government has once again handed down a death sentence to one Tibetan and lengthy prison terms to five other Tibetans.
According to China’s state media, the Lhasa Intermediate People’s Court has sentenced Sonam Tsering, aged 23, a native of Rachap Township, Payul County in Kardze, to a two-year suspended death sentence for his alleged role in ?rioting? during the Tibetan people’s peaceful demonstration in 2008 against five decades of Chinese repression in Tibet. Five more Tibetans – Tashi Choedon, Kelyon, Yeshi Tsomo, Tayang, Tsewang Gyurmey – have been given
lenthy jail terms ranging from 3 to 7 years for harbouring Sonam Tsering. We strongly condemn the harsh sentences arbitrarily meted out to Sonam Tsering without truely conducting an open and fair trial.
The recent verdict is against the spirit of China’s first national human rights action plan (2009-2010) which stipulates that ?every precaution shall be taken in meting out a death sentence and judicial procedures for death sentences will be stringently implemented?. The rights action plan also affirms that ?the state takes effective steps to guarantee the lawful, timely and impartial rial of all cases, and ensures clear facts, sufficient evidence and legitimate trial procedures.”
Moreover, it is totally against the claims of ?China’s tremendous achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights? during the UN Human Rights Council’s periodic review of China’s human rights record last year. The head of the Chinese delegation o the UN, Mr. Li Baodong, had also said since the founding of New China in 1949, ? a fundamental social and political system for the promotion and protection of human rights has been established.”
We are deeply concerned that despite these pledges, since March 2008 seven Tibetans were given death sentences out of which four Tibetans were executed on 20 October 2009.
The Central Tibetan Administration once again appeals to the Chinese goverment and the international community, especially the UN Human Rights Council to give due consideration on the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet.
The Central Tibetan Administration reiterates its longstanding appeal that China should release forthwith all prisoners of conscience and accept an international body to investigate the conditions in Tibet.
Kalon Kesang Y Takla
Department of Information & International Relations
Dharamsala
28 May 2010

The Statement of the Kashag on the Occasion of the Seventy-Fifth
Birthday Celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
On this auspicious occasion of the seventy-fifth birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people, the Kashag, on behalf of the Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, as well as all of his disciples and well-wishers across the globe, makes obeisance to him and prays that he may live for hundreds of years.
Since his childhood until now, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, while developing a great sense of empathy and compassion for all sentient beings, has provided enormous service to humanity by catering to the needs of people with different mental dispositions while, at the same time, contributing to the maintenance and promotion of the entire teachings of the Buddha Sakyamuni, known in the Buddhist world as the “Fourth Guide”. Particularly in this post-modern era, His Holiness has provided inspirational guidance to the believers (in all religions of the world) and non-believers alike. Transcending the bounds of religion, His Holiness has also given unprecedented and timely advice of what he calls “secular ethics”, emphasising on the need to develop universal responsibility through the promotion of basic human values and inter-religious harmony and co-existence for the common good of the world we live in. Moreover, for resolving the issue of Tibet, His Holiness has come out with the mutually-beneficial Middle-Way policy and non-violent means to realise it. His Holiness has further transformed the nature of the exile Tibetan polity into a genuine democracy. There is no way we can repay our debts of gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. However, with a strong sense of the realisation of all that he has done for us, we would like to re-pledge ourselves today that we shall put into real practice the many valuable advice that he has given to us.
That nothing untoward has happened to the person of His Holiness the Dalai Lama thus far is mainly due to his altruistic feelings and karmic merits, the protection given by the guardian deities of Tibet, the collective merit of the Tibetan people, and particularly due to the assistance and co-operation extended by the central and state governments of India and its great people. While expressing our heart-felt thanks to all of them, and especially to those overseeing the security of His Holiness, we would like to urge them to further intensify their assistance and co-operation in this respect.
With great compassion, His Holiness labours day in and day out for the benefit of all humanity. Inspired by this verse of Shantideva, the great Bodhisattva: “Like the earth and the other great elements [of nature] as well as the sky [above]//May [I] also remain eternally to serve as one who solves the infinite sentient beings’ myriad problems,” His Holiness immerses himself in their service. We have nothing but admiration for all his endeavours, but these are certainly taking a great toll on His Holiness’ health. The physical wellbeing of His Holiness is very important for humanity in general, and for the short and long-term benefits of the Tibetan people in particular. Therefore, we would like to implore him to kindly see to it that his daily programmes do not come in the way of his good health.
A few leaders of the People’s Republic of China, who are blind to choosing between right and wrong and who lack foresight due to their preoccupation with short-term personal and political power gains, are liberally spending both human and financial resources to issue baseless accusations against and to slander His Holiness. This is because of the jealousy arising out of their inability to match His Holiness’ meritorious deeds all over the world. Their actions, which resemble spitting in the air that will fall back on themselves, has become a source for the people of the world to view the autocratic Chinese leaders as the ones who are unable to accept the truth and who rely only on lies and violence rather than seeking truth from facts. This has also become a condition for the Tibetans to remain more united. However, as stated in the Indian and Tibetan treatises on worldly affairs that the power of the opposition should not be underestimated or neglected, the Kashag would like to make some important appeals to the Tibetans in and outside Tibet at this critical period.
As a result of the clear display of the united Tibetan spirit in 2008, the sympathy and support to the Tibetan cause by the people of the world, and due especially to His Holiness’ achievements and great deeds, the other side is using all its political, financial and human powers to create discord among Tibetans and between Tibetans and the local communities where Tibetans live in exile. It is particularly using many deceitful means to erect obstacles on the way of Holiness’ activities and deeds globally. The Kashag would like to make an emphatic appeal to the Tibetans in and outside Tibet that they should remain alert to these Chinese manipulations and always be careful in maintaining unity among ourselves and keeping good relations with the local communities.
Since the upcoming elections for the fifteenth Tibetan Parliament- in-Exile and the third directly-elected Kalon Tripa are crucially important, the people at large are currently engaged in serious discussions and debates as to whom they should vote. At such a time, the people should be careful about the other side’s evil designs and infiltrations. Moreover, each Tibetan must sincerely and courageously take part in the election processes by not shirking their democratic responsibilities and rights. It is very important to use one’s own intelligence, rather than following what others say, in making the right choice of candidates in the ensuing elections. The Kashag would like to appeal to all the Tibetan people to give a serious thought over these.
For over fifty years, the Tibetans in and outside Tibet have been able to withstand the unbearable circumstances and emergencies with great courage and strength, and for over four generations the Tibetans have been able to maintain their religion, culture and tradition. This is solely due to the grace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Furthermore, the fact that Tibetans have, in un- diminishing spirit, been able to continue our non-violent movement is a matter of great pride for us. Looking at the changes that are taking in the world and within the country, the issue of Tibet is heading towards finding a solution. Nevertheless, His Holiness often states that one must hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Hence if the issue of Tibet takes time to resolve, then it is important for the Tibetans in and outside Tibet to preserve their unique character of good moral conduct without losing their spirit. Good moral conduct is not only a symbol of the Tibetans but also a source for the Chinese and the people around the world to have affection for and to support our cause. Likewise, the young Tibetans must make efforts towards their general studies, and particularly towards becoming professionals well-versed in both traditional and modern education.
The mutually beneficial Middle-Way policy, which has been adopted by the overwhelming majority of the Tibetans under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is the sole way to resolve the issue of Tibet. The Kashag is currently pursuing this policy, based on the fact that it enjoys the overwhelming majority support of the Tibetans and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has endorsed it unanimously. We believe that all of the Tibetan people will, after having relied on their respective intelligence to ascertain the merit of this policy, support it whole-heartedly.
Finally, the Kashag prays that His Holiness may live long and all his wishes be spontaneously fulfilled. May the truth of the issue of Tibet prevail soon!
The Kashag
NB This is an English translation of the statement issued in Tibetan. If there is any discrepancy between this and the Tibetan version, please treat the latter as authoritative and final.

Dalai Lama: Respecting Tibetan Rights Key to Compassionate China
By Tsering Tsomo Phayul
June 28, 2010
Yokohama, Japan, June 28 — If the Tibetan people can achieve genuine autonomy in protecting and promoting their culture, language, identity, and way of life, it can also provide hope for a more just and compassionate society in China where the frenzied rush to accumulate wealth and power has led to the rapid erosion of moral principles, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama at an informal gathering of some 70 Tibetans and their Japanese supporters this morning at the Intercontinental Grand Hotel in Yokohama.
The Dalai Lama said the Tibetan people’s struggle for autonomy is based on valid historical and cultural basis. “Since the 7th century, the Tibetan people have developed their own language, religion, and culture without seeking any help from outsiders,” he said, adding the most comprehensive knowledge on Buddhism, for instance, is available only in Tibetan language.
Tibetan cultural and religious traditions emphasize the inner values of truth, kindness, peace, and the well-being of humanity even as Tibetans in Tibet still face violent suppression of their basic rights as human beings. Because Tibetans have been honest and transparent in their dealings with the Chinese authorities in solving the Tibet issue, there is no need for them to feel hatred, prejudice, bias, or tell lies, he said. “Truth, not force, is our biggest strength.”
In his brief address to the gathering, Mr. Tsegyam, head of the China Desk at the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, said concern is now growing among many Chinese intellectuals about the corrosion of traditional Chinese values in the current socio-political system in China.
Although extreme nationalistic feelings particularly among young Chinese, provoked largely by a xenophobic state media, is still a problem, Mr. Tsegyam said awareness about the Tibet issue is increasing not only among Chinese intellectuals but also among ordinary Chinese in and outside mainland China. He said mainland Chinese Buddhists are now paying more attention to Tibetan Buddhism by attending His Holiness’ teachings in India. Over 500 Chinese now visit India to learn about Buddhist teachings from His Holiness; more than 200 mainland Chinese Buddhists attended His Holiness’ teaching in Varanasi (India) last year. Many more were unable to attend due to restrictions imposed by the Chinese government. Chinese scholars, professors, writers, and artists often seek audience with His Holiness.
Recalling a meeting His Holiness had with 11 Chinese university students in Paris, Mr. Tsegyam said the students asked for pictures of His Holiness so they could take them home and show it to their family and friends and tell them about the problems faced by the Tibetans. One of the students who was studying filmmaking conveyed a message of apology to His Holiness from his father who as a PLA soldier in 1956 had to kill many Tibetans. “He said he heard his father cry on phone when telling about his actions in Tibet as a PLA soldier,” Mr. Tsegyam said. “Try to befriend every Chinese you meet because that’s the best way to clear doubts and misinformation.”
He said all Tibetans living in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and in four provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan share a common history, language, culture, faith, and way of life. “That
being the case, it is not fair and just, even defies common sense, to deny genuine autonomy for over 4 million Tibetans who live outside the TAR,” Mr. Tsegyam said.
Before addressing the Tibetan community of Japan, Japanese Lawmaker Mr. Makino Seishu and eight
other Japanese parliamentarians visited His Holiness to greet him and to congratulate him for his successful tour in Japan.
After completing his 11-day tour of Japan, the Dalai Lama left the country this morning.

Tibetan cultural figures ‘detained after protests’
International observers have called for action following accusations that China has been arresting leading Tibetan writers, poets and musicians in a crackdown on cultural figures, as The World Tonight’s Paul Moss reports .BBC June 28, 2010
Singer silenced
The lyrics of the song are not exactly subtle: “The occupation and denial of freedom of Tibetans/This is torture without trace.”
Another sounds a note of defiance: “Courageous patriotic martyrs/Have sacrificed their lives for Tibet/It pains my heart thinking of them/And the tears fall from my eyes.”
Defiant the words may be, but they appear to have cost their writer his freedom.
The singer, Tashi Dhondup, was arrested in China at the end of last year, and in January he was
sentenced to 15 months hard labour.
But his real crime may have been simply that he was so popular.
His CDs were passed among Tibetans, individual songs shared over the internet and by mobile phone.
“Tashi Dhondup reflected the trauma that Tibetans were feeling,” said Dechen Pemba, a London-based blogger.
“The police came to his home and his wife was begging with the police officers – they’re a young couple with a newly-born baby. But he was arrested and taken away.”
Tashi Dhondup was not alone. Prominent Tibetan environmentalist Karma Samdrup was jailed last week for 15 years.
And according to a report by the International Campaign for Tibet, more than 50 writers, poets and musicians have been rounded up over the past few months.
‘confrontations’
Many have received tough sentences and, according to the campaign’s spokeswoman Kate Saunders, many were people not usually regarded as dissidents.
“They’re being… taken from their homes in the middle of the night,” she said.
“These are individuals who are politically moderate, often secular, and yet the Chinese authorities are seeking to silence them.”
It is still not clear exactly what motivated the crackdown.
Certainly, the last two years have seen a flowering of overtly-critical Tibetan songs, poems and other artistic outpourings.
They date from the protests that broke out in the spring of 2008, which saw violent confrontations between indigenous Tibetans and the ethnic Han Chinese who have been resettled there over the past few decades.
But despite clear challenges to Beijing’s authority, Robbie Barnett, director of Columbia University’s Modern Tibetan Studies programme, said the Chinese government itself may not be behind the arrests and prison sentences.
He believes that over-zealous local officials were the more likely instigators: “Local officials make their own minds up about who they’re going to crack down on.
“They don’t care about international responses. They may have an interest in being much more heavy-handed,” he said.
‘Sneaking like bandits’
Another writer who has been on the receiving end of this treatment is Shogdung – he was arrested in April and campaigners have not heard from him since.
Shogdung’s case is particularly pointed, as he had previously been seen as loyal to the Chinese government – he had criticised Tibet’s version of Buddhism – and had said the Tibetan people needed
to sort out their own problems.
But in the wake of the 2008 battles, Shogdung had become increasingly critical of Beijing and this year published an unauthorised book The Line Between Sky and Earth.
It contained a scathing denunciation of Chinese rule: “My flesh is petrified, my bones hurt. They have made everyone helpless and desperate. In daytime, they run like jackals.
“At night, they sneak in like bandits…. we have been beaten, seized, arrested, condemned, sentenced, massacred. They have made us unable or afraid to move, to speak, to think. Everything and everyone has become inert because of fear.”
One of the last people to meet Shogdung was the French journalist Ursula Gauthier, who interviewed him just two weeks before his arrest.
“He was clear he was heading for trouble,” she said.
“But I’m not really sure he’ll cope very well with detention. Although he looks very strong, I think he’s more the fragile type.”
The Chinese Embassy in London has refused to comment on Shogdung’s case, or on the arrest and detention of any other Tibetans.
A spokesman said there was nobody available to discuss the matter.
Hear more in a full report by Paul Moss on BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00sr3rc

Freedom or disrespect? Norman’s protest debated
By Michael Dickison
NZ Hearald (New Zealand)
June 23, 2010
Representatives of New Zealand’s Chinese community and a pro-Tibetan group are at odds over whether Russel Norman’s protest at Parliament last week showed a lack of respect or demonstrated enviable freedom.
The Green Party co-leader was caught in a scuffle with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping’s security
when he approached the delegation while waving a Tibetan flag last Friday at Parliament.
Prime Minister John Key later apologised to the delegation, an act Dr Norman said was “degrading”.
nzherald.co.nz readers have reacted strongly to the incident, contributing more than 200 comments
since yesterday. Views have been split between those who say New Zealand should not have to
apologise for a peaceful protest and others who criticised Dr Norman as rudely trying to intimidate a guest dignitary.
New Zealand Chinese Association national president Steven Young said many in the Chinese
community considered Dr Norman to have “taken advantage of his privileged position” and he had
not given enough weight to his responsibilities as an MP.
“The Chinese community, especially the part of the community that has been here a long time and
grown up here, they fully understand the importance of freedom of speech. That’s accepted,” Mr Young said.
“At the same time, Chinese people generally think it’s quite important to treat guests and visitors with respect,” he said.
Dr Norman had greater privileges and responsibilities as an MP but had not behaved “how a Member of Parliament ought to”, Mr Young said.
Dr Norman had overstepped the mark in the way he carried out his protest, he said.
But most in the Chinese community would not be surprised at the Green Party co-leader’s protest and it had been a storm in a teacup, he said.
Friends of Tibet national chairman Thuten Kesang said the Chinese delegation should have known Dr
Norman would protest, their security had overreacted by not simply walking past.
“Here is a man going to be one of the most powerful people in the world, yet he can’t walk with his face held up in front of a flag,” Mr Kesang said.
“It’s not a threat to the Chinese vice president by shouting at him … seeing a flag was enough for pain, in their eyes.”
Respect went both ways, and the delegation should have respected the sovereignty of New Zealand, he said.
“The sovereignty of this nation was violated by letting their men attack one of our MPs. Respect goes two ways.”
Mr Kesang said there were many in the wider New Zealand Chinese community who recognised that Dr Norman would be in prison had he conducted his protest in China.
“They know how lucky they are to be in this beautiful country with our freedoms.”
China and New Zealand Business Council chairwoman Linda Zhang said Dr Norman’s protest “could
potentially undermine an increasingly close friendship between the two countries”.
“Russel Norman’s behaviour during the Chinese Vice President’s visit at parliament was a bit over the top,” Ms Zhang said.
She said his protest had overshadowed an otherwise constructive visit, and commended Mr Key’s apology.
“I think our PM’s response to this incident was totally appropriate and graceful, it showed his respect to our country’s guests and his sincerity to the Chinese people. It should not be misinterpreted as ‘degrading’. I felt touched by his response.”
The “unpleasant incident” would not be a hurdle for the continuing development of friendship
between New Zealand and China, she said.
New Zealand China Trade Association executive director David Catty said the association was confident that the incident would not have a detrimental effect on China New Zealand trade or overall relations.

Why I Was Attacked By Chinese Security Guards
Russel Norman
Voxy News (New Zealand)
June 22, 2010
Green Party co-leader Russel Norman gave a personal explanation of the incident with Chinese
government staff on the steps of Parliament last week to Parliament today.
What follows is a transcript of his speech to the house:
Mr Speaker I seek leave to make a personal explanation regarding the incident in front of
Parliament involving the Chinese Vice President on Friday.
Mr Speaker, Last Friday, in the lead up to the arrival of the Chinese Vice President, I held up
a Tibetan flag at the bottom of the steps in front of parliament.
My purpose was to draw attention to the shocking human rights abuses suffered by the Tibetan
people under Chinese Communist Party Government occupation of their country, in line with this
parliament’s long and honourable tradition of speaking out to protect human rights.
I was well away from the security entrance to the Beehive where the Vice President was expected to
arrive. I had no intention of getting close to the Vice President but nor would I be hidden away. I had not decided whether I would or would not voice my concerns as well as holding the flag.
While I was standing still holding up the flag and not speaking, someone who I can only assume
was part of the Chinese Communist Party Government’s security delegation, began to push and obstruct me. I sought to avoid his pushing and shoving by moving away from him but he continued to push and harass my, up to then, silent protest.
I was incensed by the actions of the foreign government’s security person on the forecourt of parliament pushing around a member of this house and as the Chinese Vice President arrived I
called out “Freedom for the people of Tibet”.
Shortly after I was then set upon by a number of, what I can only assume were, Chinese Communist
Party Government security operatives who grabbed me from a number of sides.
Another member of the Chinese Communist Party Government delegation, presumably a security
person, then placed an umbrella over me to try to smother me and at that point I stepped forward
from under the umbrella to try to avoid it.
Another member of the Chinese Communist Party Government delegation then tore the Tibetan flag
from my hands and stood on it. I reached forward to recover the Tibetan flag from under the foot
of one of the security personnel. And then I held it aloft again.
In avoiding these assaults from the Chinese Communist Government officials I was dragged closer to the security entrance.
Mr Speaker the Prime Minister John Key has accused me of charging at the Chinese Communist Party Government Vice President. I deny this. I was intent on standing my ground but this proved
impossible in the face of the assaults from the Chinese Communist Government security officials.
I certainly ended up closer to the Vice President than I wished to, but at each step I was trying
to avoid the assaults of the Chinese Communist Party Government security operatives who appeared
in control of the Parliamentary forecourt.
Mr Speaker the Deputy Prime Minister Bill English has accused me of harassing the Vice President. I
deny this. I was standing still, well away from the Vice President until the Chinese Government
security operatives started to push and harass me.
I would like to thank the New Zealand DPS officer at the scene who was, in spite of being outnumbered, doing his best to keep the Chinese Communist Party Government security operatives
off me. I apologise to him for suggesting otherwise at the time.
I accept it looked a bit undignified, and that isn’t ideal. But it was pretty hard to look dignified when you have a bunch of Chinese Government security people grabbing hold of you and pushing you around and putting an umbrella over you and taking away the Tibetan flag you’re holding!
But I would rather a little messy free speech than seamless totalitarian silence. Thanks to everyone who sent messages of support, especially the many Chinese and Tibetan people here and overseas who fear to speak out but see our country as a beacon of hope for democracy and free speech.
And to those who disagreed with my actions, I defend your right to free speech too.