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Miliband 'undermining Dalai Lama over Tibet'
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent6 Nov 2008
DAVID Miliband faced a backlash today after formally recognising Chinese sovereignty over Tibet.
The Foreign Secretary was accused of undermining the Dalai Lama's talks with the Chinese authorities by updating Britain's position on Tibet.
Britain's stance dates back to the Simla accords of 1913 which laid down the boundaries between Tibet and British-ruled India.
At the time, London recognised China's "suzerainty" over the Tibetan region, but crucially not its sovereignty. Suzerainty is described as dominance or power through legal authority. The phrase has left some Chinese leaders believing that Britain still secretly harbours a wish to break up China.
Mr Miliband said the historic language was hampering Britain's relationship with Beijing over the aim for greater autonomy for Tibet, as well as respect for human rights.
"Our recognition of China's 'special position' in Tibet developed from the outdated concept of suzerainty," he said. "Some have used this to cast doubt on the aims we are pursuing and to claim that we are denying Chinese sovereignty over a large part of its own territory. We have made clear to the Chinese government, and publicly, that we do not support Tibetan independence."
Former governor of Hong Kong, Lord Patten, said the Foreign Office had abolished a "quaint eccentricity", a move he believes was long overdue.
However, the timing of Mr Miliband's decision has sparked anger, especially following the crushing of anti-China protests in Tibet this year.
The Free Tibet Campaign accused the minister of "rewriting history" and urged people to write to their MP demanding that the Government back a fact-finding mission to the region to investigate human rights abuses.
Robbie Barnett, a Tibetan expert at Columbia University in New York, claimed the Government had weakened the hand of the Dalai Lama. He said: "This is more than a bargaining chip. This is the entire legal and political foundation for these talks."
The Tibetan spiritual leader says he is seeking autonomy not independence and the right for Tibetans to worship freely and maintain their culture.
Reader views (14)
No big deal. Note that the Appendix of the 1914 Simla Convention, signed by Britain and Tibet, clearly states: "It is understood by the High Contracting Parties that Tibet forms part of Chinese territory"
Don't be that paranoid.
- Jeremiah, Hongkong, 26/11/2008 13:01
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I to am embarrassed by this government, I have been to China, I have seeing what damage propaganda is doing to my friends and to the Dalai Lama, who is portrayed to be some sort of Bi Laden figure, how can the Chinese government be serious about talks is they accuse him of being a murderer and slave trader behind his back?
Two days after Miliband made his comments, the talks between HH and China started, and broke down, if all countries side with China, it has no incentive for peace.
I really hope we have early Spring elections next year, so we can get Labour out!!
- Luke, Ipswich, UK, 21/11/2008 12:57
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Even Bush isn't that stupid. My (former) admiration of Britain has diminished not just one notch but rather several.
- Maurice, vancouver, canada, 11/11/2008 02:19
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China's government is undemocratic, all powerful and oppressive; all things that are very close to the hearts and minds of Milly Bland and his NuLiebour chums.
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster, 07/11/2008 02:36
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Perhaps he's actually right on this particular issue?
- Andy, London, 07/11/2008 00:08
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I thought Milly was fired!? It does seem clear that Mr. Bean Brown is not capable, not capable to find good people.
- Georgie, Islington, London, 06/11/2008 23:50
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Having bankrupted the country this is the price these incompetent fools, who rarely ever had to do proper paid work, are prepared to pay to keep the cash-rich Chinese government happy. And to think Ralph Miliband, the unfortunate father was an honourable man of great intellectual acumen. Shame, utter shame to sell the Tibetans down the river while they continue to be tortured and murdered by the unelected, power-mad maniacs of Beijing! Next stop democratic Saudi Arabia, oh that's already been done by Captain Brown, and in exchange for what unsavoury favours one hesitates to ask?
- Gautam, London, UK, 06/11/2008 18:46
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Does this country really need a totally inexperienced arrogant schoolboy representing it to the world? It seems almost impossible that one fool in Downing Street should be succeeded by another one. No wonder these crooks won't allow an election.
- L.Taubler, London / UK, 06/11/2008 18:17
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No one can change or rewrite the history of Tibet, which makes clear that prior to Chinese military occupation from 1949-59 that Tibet was a full sovereign state on its own rights, satisfying all the conditions of an independent country. Not even the Chinese military occupation could make China claim sovereignty over Tibet. British govt. has let down Tibet during Chinese invasion and Tibetans' plea for help at UN in 1950-60s, although Britain has entered into various treaties with Tibet then. Now Milliband is saying those events of the past with independent Tibet was 'outdated and anachronism' and accepting China's sovereignty over Tibet is outrageous and total lack of respect for the plight of 6million Tibetans who are still suffering under China's brutal rule. Dalai Lama has stated over and over again that he now is willing to accept genuine autonomy under China but has never conceded to China of Tibet's past history, stating that past is past, no one can change it, instead future is more important. Tibetan people who will ultimately decide the fate of Tibet will never accept anything other than the facts of history. I sincerely urge British govt. to retract the statement. It has seriously undermined Dalai Lama and Tibetan govt in exile's position who are pursuing a middle way approach through a consistent non-voilent approach, which most British people support. Thanks
- Mipham, london, 06/11/2008 17:04
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The nasty little man does not act in my name. Millipede and his CP mates should hang their heads in shame. They have destroyed Britain, leave Tibet alone.
- Jw, Watford, Herts. UK., 06/11/2008 17:00
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Disgusting but as someone who was a labour party member for years until the Blair Brown era I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. It will be interesting to see the reaction of the "unbiased" BBC who were years ago highly regarded as a top class broadcasting organisation.
Terry Godman
- Terry Godman, London, England, 06/11/2008 14:45
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Hail Microband, the glob trotting appeaser in the mould of Chamberlain and Bliar. Pitiful gimmickry. New Labour jaundice. Get rid soon, for pity's sake.
- John, arezzo, italy, 06/11/2008 12:51
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Miliband is a pigmy; and embarrassment as a Foreign Secretary. Gordon Brown chose him because he makes him look good. A few weeks ago this pigmy had ambitions and was already behaving like celebrity, he has gone back into obscurity now and should stay there. How can anybody take Britain seriously if we send Miliband to represent us....
- Beatriz, London, 06/11/2008 12:32
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The current Labour Government will be a blip in history. David Miliband's name will mean nothing, whereas the Dalai Lama will live on. I am totally EMBARRASSED about the people currently running my country into the ground whose only objective appears to be self-promotion.
- Marianne, SW France, 06/11/2008 10:55
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