LinkChinese UK News received the following letter from the authors of the “Chinese People in Northern Ireland Declaration” regarding the recent comments made by MLA Anna Manwah Lo about Tibet. For further information, please contact ericinqueens@hotmail.com or shadow0312@gmail.com.

DECLARATION

To Whom It May Concern

We are writing to clarify the fact that, Ms. Anna Manwah Lo does NOT represent the voice of the Chinese community in Northern Ireland over the Tibet issue.

As the Chinese society in Northern Ireland, we are extremely disappointed with Ms. Lo’s recent comments over the Chinese democracy in Tibet affairs, which we consider to be irresponsible, inconsiderate and misleading.

Being the first Chinese MLA in Northern Ireland, Ms. Lo’s public comments over the Tibet issue sent out a misleading signal to all the people, as a direct impact. People would easily take the message that all the Chinese people in Northern Ireland are on her side due to her Chinese route. It would also give those Chinese people who are interested in coming to NI for studying, touring or business a wrong impression that people here in NI do not welcome the Chinese, which would be such a loss for all.

We respect everyone’s freedom to speak out their own minds. We also thank Ms. Lo’s curiosity over China. However, as a MLA, it is irresponsible and inconsiderate of Ms. Lo to make public comments over the Tibet issue without full understanding. First of all, it is important to realize that China has made significant progress in developing a more democratic society. We also believe further development will undoubtedly occur in the future. If Ms. Lo would take a look at the situation within China, she may be very surprised by the freedom of expression that the 1.4 billion Chinese people now have, referring to the comment she made that “1.4 billion people don’t have the freedom (to speak out)”.

Secondly, Chinese people do welcome different voices. However, different voices cannot change the fact that Tibet has been a part of China since the 13th Century. Currently, 92% of the populations in Tibet are Tibetans and 90% of them speak Tibetan as their mother tongue. In fact, many western scholars have attested that Tibetan literature and art forms have been flourishing as never before. Tibet also has the highest concentration of full-time “clergy” in the Buddhist world (with about 150,000 monks and nuns in Tibet).

Thirdly, when Ms. Lo said that she was proud of her son’s action in Pro-Tibet movement, there is not a single word mentioned regarding the innocent victims in the “3.14” Lhasa riot. While violence and terrorism are condemned by the whole world, such riots (killing innocent people, burning schools, robbing shops, etc) carried out by a very small group of separatists seem to be no concern to Ms. Lo. We feel extremely disappointed that Ms. Lo has not shown her social conscience and responsibility as a MLA member.

We understand that as a mother, Ms. Lo supports her own son’s activities. However, as the biggest non-political event, the Olympic game should never be used by any political purposes. The coming Beijing Olympic game is a great event for not only the Chinese, but also the people all over the world. It is such a pity that Ms. Lo chose such a time to express her opinions publicly by ignoring the universal beliefs as above.

Again, we clarity here that, Ms. Anna Manwah Lo does NOT represent the Chinese community over the Tibet issue. We hope that Ms. Lo can seriously consider our opinions and be more considerate and responsible in the future.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Yours Sincerely,

The Chinese People in Northern Ireland
(Please see attached signatures)

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