Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV just broadcast the news that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao spoke on camera during his visit in Laos [translation]:
While on a state visit to Laos, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stated that the Tibetan issue is China’s internal affair and that the government has the ability to resolve this issue. He called upon the Dalai Lama to use his influence to end the violence in Tibet. He also said that the Chinese government will maintain “five upholds.”
Premier Wen Jiabao said that currently the situation in Tibet is basically stable, and that social order has returned to normal. He would like everyone to clearly see the essence of these events, and that beating, smashing, looting, and burning are violent criminal acts under Chinese law. He also said that Tibetan compatriots are among the nationalities who were victims. He emphasized that this is China’s own internal matter. The Chinese government has the ability to resolve this. He reiterated that the communication channels between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama are wide open. He hopes that the Dalai Lama can use his influence: “As long as the Dalai Lama abandons advocating independence, in particular utilizes his influence to stop the occurrence of violent activities in Tibet, and recognizes that Tibet and Taiwan are China’s inseparable territory, we can restore our dialogue with him.”
Wen stated that Tibet’s economic and social achievements in recent years are clear for all to see, and the Chinese government will continue to uphold its policy of Tibetan regional autonomy. He said “We will continue to uphold the policy of Tibetan regional autonomy, continue to uphold economic development as a means of improving the public’s livelihood, uphold religious freedom within constitutional and legal limitations and guarantee the protection of Tibet’s culture and environment.
The footage from Phoenix TV with Wen Jiabao’s on-camera statement is here.
Read also:
* China Says It Has Evidence Dalai Lama Incited Riots on The New York Times.
* China mounts new attack on Dalai Lama after Tibet protests by AP.
* Facts exposing Dalai clique’s masterminding of Lhasa violence by Xinhua.
* Dalai clique’s separatists activities condemned by Xinhua.
