By Steve Lewis and John Kerin
JUST days before Chinese President Hu Jintao arrives, the Chinese embassy is embroiled in a political row amid claims it is trying to gag MPs wishing to speak out over the sensitive Tibetan issue.
A senior Chinese diplomat has been accused of “intimidatory behaviour” after he expressed concerns about a pro-Tibet advertisement, which is due to be published next week to coincide with Mr Hu’s historic visit.
Melbourne-based Chinese consul-general Junting Tian wrote to Elaine Carbines, a member of the upper house of the Victorian parliament, earlier this week admonishing her for “mobilising” other state MPs to support the advertisement.
But the strongly worded letter, which calls on MPs to respect Australia’s recognition that Tibet is part of China, has offended other MPs.
“I see it as quite intimidating. It’s an over-the-top reaction to our attempt to raise the matter,” Ms Carbines, who is parliamentary secretary for the environment in the Bracks Government, told The Australian.
In his letter to Ms Carbine, the Chinese diplomat said he was “writing to remind you that (the) Tibet issue is an internal matter of the People’s Republic of China which is very sensitive”. “Tibet has been a part of China since Yuan Dynasty (mid 12th to mid 13th century). And it is recognised by the whole international community including the Australian Government that Tibet is part of China.”
Federal Labor MP Tanya Plibersek, who will sign the advertisement, said it was important that supporters of an independent Tibet were able to express their views.
“It’s a free country and a lot of people have criticisms of China’s policies in Tibet and we are free to express them,” Ms Plibersek said.
Greens senator Bob Brown hit out at the Chinese: “It’s unwanted behaviour in Australia that an embassy should be sending out material to members of parliament with the aim of changing their plans or behaviour.
“They are effectively trying to silence them. The Chinese embassy could do with a good PR team.”
Contacted yesterday, Mr Tian said he did not wish to silence parliamentarians. But he felt the advertisement, which will support the Dalai Lama’s call for an independent Tibet, would be “disrespectful” to the President, who will address parliament next Friday.
