Our Deeside representative Roger asked a number of West
Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Election Candidates for their views on our
political relations with China, and the Tibet issue.
Ever since the invasion by Chinese forces in 1950, UK Government
policy has been to deny the fact that Tibet is under occupation by
Chinese forces in the forlorn hope that, by avoiding any censure of the
Chinese government, the problem will just go away. This policy has not
gained any concessions and any defiance by the Tibetans is ruthlessly
suppressed to this day. Readers may like to note the response from
a number of the candidates. It is interesting to note that while most
politicians are actively supporting a resolution of the Tibet issue,
Labour's response is not so encouraging.
Anthony Atkinson UKIP
"UKIP has grave concerns with regard to the present Chinese political
regime. We condemn its occupation of Tibet and the attendant
destruction of monasteries and religious artifacts. We also oppose its
attempts to restrict the use of Tibetan language and its policy of
ethnically diluting Tibet through state-sponsored Han mass migration.
UKIP applauds the conciliatory calls of the Dalai Lama who wants
greater autonomy for Tibet and respect for its ancient traditions."
Dennis Robertson SNP
"The Tibetan People have been persecuted for many years and I and the
SNP have long supported their cause. The SNP have it on record at many
of their annual conferences resolutions highlighting the plight of the
Tibetan people and how we as a collective Party will continue to ensure
that the issues in Tibet are not forgotten. I wish you strength and
energy to continue your efforts on behalf of the Tibetan people."
Sue Edwards, Scottish Green Party
"I abhor the situation in Tibet and feel that there is a great need for
us to press China to respect human rights in Tibet. I have been
interested in Tibet for many years, have read much about the country
and feel very saddened that China claims the country and has done so
much damage there. It is unbelievable that China was able to take over
Tibet without resistance from the rest of the world."
Greg Williams, Labour
"On Tibet there’s three main things I would like to see:
China needs to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama. The benefits of
growth in prosperity we’re seeing across China need to be shared with
the Tibetan people. The rule of law and equitable human rights must be
maintained across all autonomous regions in China. We must, however, be
pragmatic here. China is an important global partner, and we need its
engagement in dealing with threats such as Iran. Ultimately Tibet is a
very difficult and sensitive issue."
Sir Robert Smith, Liberal Democrats.
Sir Robert Smith said he remains concerned about human rights issues in
Tibet and it is vital that this issue remains high on the agenda in
bilateral talks between the UK and China.
Sir Robert also quoted the Liberal Democratic Party's policy Party’s view on Tibet:
The Liberal Democrats support the Dalai Lama’s spiritual and moral
leadership of Tibet but recognize that China has an important
historical role in the region. They believe that the only way to
resolve the Tibetan dispute is through ongoing dialogue between China
and the Dalai Lama.
Despite some concrete moves in 2002 – including a meeting between the
Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama’s representatives, there has
been no recent or tangible development in this area and senior
representatives of the two sides have still not met in person.
The Liberal Democrats regret the change in Government policy with
respect to China and Tibet and the move from the long held policy of
suzerainty. They say that the UK did not win any concessions from China
in exchange for such a policy shift.
They believe that President Hu Jintao should agree to meet the Dalai
Lama for face to face talks on a mutually acceptable solution to the
contested status of Tibet and the treatment of Tibetans. A suitable
independent moderator should be appointed to convene and oversee the
talks.
They believe that China should demonstrate its commitment to civil and
political rights by ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights (ICCPR).