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Demonising China is becoming fashionable
Not only have do-gooders jumped on the beat-up Beijing bandwagon, world leaders are vying for brass halos like kids in a schoolyard.
- By Linda S. Heard, Special to Gulf News
- Published: 23:58 April 14, 2008
- Image Credit: Illustration: Nino Jose Heredia/Gulf News
Watching anti-China demonstrations mushrooming worldwide around the Olympic torch reminded me how sheep-like human beings really are. While it's certainly true that Tibetans have a genuine cause, I don't believe it is served one jot by injecting violence into a sporting event meant to bring nations together.
Studying the faces of the protesters, I noticed that most were not from the region but rather well intentioned "do good" types, who tend to combine championing the underdog with a jolly day out rabble rousing. I wonder what they're hoping to achieve. Do they seriously think they are going to embarrass China into a volte-face?
For more than 57 years, Tibet has formed part of China. On May 23, 1951, the 14th Dalai Lama signed an agreement with the People's Republic of China, which the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader repudiated in 1959.
The first clause of the agreement read "The Tibetan people shall return to the big family of the motherland - the People's Republic of China."
Obligations
There is no doubt that China has reneged on many of its obligations under what's known as the Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet including its recognition of the Dalai Lama, which most legal scholars would say renders it null and void.
Most Tibetans, who feel their identity is being deliberately eroded, now want independence from China or autonomy, as is their right. But using the Olympic Games as a battering ram is the wrong way to go about this.
And as for their rowdy non-Tibetan supporters where were they during the last half-century? For sure some of them are genuinely concerned but I suspect there are far more who pick up handy causes like freshly baked croissants; chocolate today; almond tomorrow.
Not only have do-gooders jumped on the beat-up Beijing bandwagon, world leaders are vying for brass halos like kids in a schoolyard. It seems China's hosting of the games is providing them with the perfect showcase in which they can display their impeccable humanitarian standards, their unshakeable principles and their ridiculously high horses.
Film director Steven Spielberg started the bash-Beijing ball rolling when he quit his Olympic advisory role last month over China's relationship with Sudan. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy then suggested that unless China's human rights record in Tibet is improved, he will not be attending the Olympic opening ceremony.
Since, Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have said they will skip the opening.
President George W. Bush is on the other side of the fence, at least for now. He says he will attend the Games but does intend to raise Tibet with Chinese leaders behind closed doors.
Apparently, his National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley believes shunning the Chinese-hosted Olympics would defeat the purpose with dialogue the most effective way to bring about change.
Shock! Horror! For once, I agree with Bush. China isn't some itty-bitty banana republic that can be easily intimidated or pushed around. Home to almost a quarter of the world's population and boasting one of the healthiest economies on the planet, the West needs China more than China relies on it.
No doubt, Bush realises that China holds around half of all US issued treasury bonds along with vast US dollar reserves and is, thus, in a position to destroy the American currency - and consequently the global economy - should it feel so disposed.
Protesters can try to extinguish the torch all they like, and European heads of state can pout to their hearts content, but nothing will be achieved except ruination of a four-yearly event that is eagerly awaited by sporting contenders and the public alike.
Insulting China, which was gradually opening up and liberalising, may cause it to retreat back into its shell, and rather than softening its stance, it is likely to take an even harder line on Tibet.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph the Chinese Ambassador to Britain Fu Ying quotes "a young friend in China" who watched the torch being disrupted on its journey through London, as saying, "I felt so many things all at once" sadness, anger and confusion. She says "It must have dawned on many like him that simply a sincere heart was not enough to ensure China's smooth integration with the world".
Much vitriol
There is a positive spin-off in the West's favour though. While so much vitriol is being directed at Beijing, it's easy to forget the continued occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. And the "Free Tibet" banners have replaced "Free Palestine".
This summer's mode is Tibet. It's the colourful cause du jour aching to be gobbled up by the fickle and opportunistic slaves of political fashion.
Let the Games begin and when they are done methinks the Tibetans will have served their usefulness, destined to rejoin Iraqis, Afghans and Palestinians crying in the wilderness awaiting their turn to take centre stage.
China has come a long way since the brutal times of Chairman Mao. It should be encouraged and welcomed into the fold not cornered until it has no other option than to lash out or put up insurmountable barriers.
With a country that's as powerful, prosperous and proud as China is known to be, it's the only route to real results.
Linda S. Heard is a specialist writer on Middle East affairs. She can be contacted at lheard@gulfnews.com
Your comments
Thanks. You said what I have been saying with regards to the matter.
Eric
Melbourne,Australia
Posted: April 15, 2008, 17:48
I have been waiting for someone to write something like this and your article really does make my day. Let politics be politics and sports be sports. There's a saying, "If you cannot manage your own home affairs, what makes you think you can manage others?" Think about the sufferings of peoples like the Iraqis, Lebanese, Afghans, Palestinians, Hmongs, Burmese, the African refugees of conflict zones, to name a few..The Tibetans are not without foods..There are people out there starving and dying.World leaders should focus more on making this world a better place to live..The Olympics are for the people, by the people, and an opportunity for friendship and World peace..World leaders, your people choose you to lead, do it wisely. Do not destroy the very purpose and meaning of the Olympics. God Bless the World.
Roland
Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia
Posted: April 15, 2008, 16:16
Finally, I see a relatively balanced, objective and fair comment on the issue of Tibet and of anti-Olympic Torch Relay. The real tragedy is the four girls, among others, who were burned alive in a clothing shop in Lhasa, Tibet. They never got sympathy from the western leaders and were ignored by self-righteous Western media.
Charles
Indianapolis,usa
Posted: April 15, 2008, 13:14
Ms. Heard. Excellent analysis! You are right, the damage has already been done to the Chinese people by some Westerners, which could last for a decade. And I assure you we Chinese won't forget or forgive the French and the British! I hate them for their conduct which humiliated my country and my people. Fortunately, never have Chinese people been so united since 1989 against the West. In 1840, eight countries invaded China and robbed us of everything precious. Today, again those same countries are doing everything to humiliate us.
Ken
Arlington,USA
Posted: April 15, 2008, 08:53
The most sensible and intelligent commentary on this China/Tibet/Olympic issue. Sadly many World leaders react to problems rather solving them in wise fashion- as depicted in this article. Mishandled problems can lead to disastrous consequences like the Iraqi war. Comparing this Tibetan issue to the Nazi era or saying genocide is really over the top. Some proportionality of views in relation to the problem is much needed here.
Steven
Toronto,Canada
Posted: April 15, 2008, 04:38
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