By Anil K Joseph
Beijing, Feb 2: Ahead of Chinese President Hu Jintao’s state visit to South Africa, China today chose to be discreet on Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu’s request to India to support Tibetan independence but praised New Delhi for its adherence to the ‘One-China’ policy.
Asked to comment on Tutu’s request to India to support the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader Dalai Lama and freedom of Tibet, Chinese Foreign Ministry chose to react coolly saying there is no change in Beijing’s stand on the issue of Tibet.
“The stand of the government of China on the question of Tibet is clear and consistent,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu said here without elaborating.
Chinese officials have reiterated in the past that Tibet has been an inalienable part of China. They have also branded the Dalai Lama as a separatist, who is travelling around the world to split Tibet from the motherland.
Analysts say Beijing may have chosen to remain tight- lipped on Tutu’s remarks in New Delhi since the Chinese President is scheduled to visit South Africa soon.
Hu, also General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China, is currently on an eight-nation tour of African countries. South Africa is part of his trip.
At the same time, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson praised India for its adherence of the ‘One-China’ policy on the issue of Tibet.
“The government of India has reiterated that it adheres to the one-China policy and China appreciates it,” she said in a brief response.
Tutu had created a flutter on Wednesday by seeking India’s help for Tibet’s independence. PMO sources had clarified that India believed in one China and termed Tutu’s remarks as his “personal views”.
