Russia strongly supports China to curb independence movement in Tibet

By China Watcher

In a strongly worded text from Moscow, Russia supported China stance to curb independence activities in Tibet.

The Foreign Ministry said, “We express hope that the authorities of the People's Republic of China will take all necessary measures to curtail unlawful actions and ensure the speedy normalization of the situation in the autonomous region."

It takes another country who suffers similar type of independence pressure supported by the US led Western initiatives and media to understand the crux of the matter. Russia is confronted with Chenchen rebels fighting for an independence cause.

There has never been a period throughout history where Sino-Russia relations are at its best and it will get better where trade which is the main impetus is growing at an encouraging rate that will continue to cement stronger people to people relations. In the 1950s’ era, the relationship was good but it was certainly not sincere where the influence is stronger at one end. The strategic relationship with Russia must be further promoted and deepened to counter US led dominance in world’s politics. Western media, however, is trying its best to drive a wedge in painting and highlighting the negative aspect of the relationship by saying that if Russia is not careful, the size of China itself will threaten Russia’s survival. I find this comical and there are many devious attempts to promote a Western centric society.

On the other hand, Western countries called for restraint in the handling of the unrest situation in the Tibetan autonomous region and its surrounding provinces. Australia, Great Britain, the European Union were more pragmatic in offering limited criticism on China’s efforts to bring the situation under control, knowing very well that it is better to engage than to confront a mighty China. China is not Myammar.

If I am not mistaken, only Germany and Russia are the only two Western nations to openly declare that Tibet is a province of China. Both critical as well as supportive comments from abroad surrounding this issue will assist China now to differentiate and understand those countries which are friends to the Chinese people and those which are not.

Reviewing certain reports, I am perplexed that the exiled Tibetan rebels mentioned that there were 100 deaths. The Chinese media announced that there were only 16 deaths as at 17 March 2008. What about the deaths of the Han Chinese who were bludgeoned and beaten to death by the Tibetan youths? If the Chinese government did not show restraint the figure could have been many times higher. On the moral and humanity side, the Chinese have learned to exercise restraint in handling this delicate situation. This is commendable from a growing and potential superpower.

The Western media continued to play up the issue by inviting Chinese dissidents to give their opinion on the incident. I am disappointed that these so called born again “liberalists” and “human right seekers” have responded to the hidden agenda of the West to become “traitors” to the motherland and all Chinese overseas by calling for independence of Tibet.

As one blogger from China who rightly put it, “Westerners think they know all about China, telling us that this, that and the other is bad,” Another one commented, “Most foreigners have been brainwashed as far as this issue is concerned.”

China should take note that the Tibetan radicals are now the one who are calling the independence cause and not the Dalai Lama and hence, more concrete and effective measures must be in place to deal with this group of rebels.