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Tibetans and Supporters Plan to Picket Chinese President Jiang's Australian Visit

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tibetan supporters have announced plans to picket each of Chinese President Jiang Zemin's public appearances during his six-day visit to Australia. The Australian Tibet Council has stated that its supporters will shadow President Jiang and deliver a message that he is not welcome in Australia until he engages in negotiations with the Dalai Lama to resolve the Tibetan situation. This move comes as Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer uses the occasion to warn of the devastating consequences of a war between China and the US over Taiwan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian Tibet Council plans to picket Chinese President Jiang Zemin's public appearances during his six-day visit to Australia, shadowing him to deliver a message that he is not welcome until he enters negotiations with the Dalai Lama.
  • The Tibetan supporters' message will emphasize the need for a peaceful settlement of the Tibetan situation, which has been occupied by China since 1950.
  • Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has warned that a war between China and the US over Taiwan would have catastrophic consequences for the region.
  • Downer stated that Australia takes a strong view against the use of force in the Taiwan Strait and supports a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
  • President Jiang's visit follows the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Auckland, where he will meet with US President Bill Clinton.
  • The Australian government has emphasized its commitment to the one-China policy for regional security and prosperity while also supporting Taiwan as a free-market democracy.

Statistics:

  • China has occupied Tibet since 1950.
  • The APEC summit in Auckland will feature a meeting between President Jiang and US President Bill Clinton.
  • Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has described a war between China and the US over Taiwan as "tantamount to a regional Armageddon".
  • The Australian Tibet Council has stated its intention to picket each of President Jiang's public appearances during his six-day visit.

Sources:

  • ASIA PULSE (C) 1999 Asia Pulse Pte Ltd News Provided by COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)

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