European leaders more hardline than Helen re Tibet
According to the Guardian the German Chancellor is boycotting attendance at the Olympics because of "the crackdown" by China in Tibet. The polish and Czech state leaders are also refusing to attend. This may mean France follows suit and makes the British intention to attend a more difficult one politically. Angela Merkel has has also recently met with the Dalai Lama, which has "enraged" China's leaders. An EU boycott of the games has been suggested but is not currently likely.
When compared to the stance being taken within the EU, New Zealand's hands-off approach to the situation is looking increasingly influenced by our pending freetrade agreement with China. I'd like to see a clearer position on China's human rights issues being taken by the government, even though we have limited political leverage, and even if it affects the deal. To compromise ethics over money is something I'm deeply ambivalent about.
When compared to the stance being taken within the EU, New Zealand's hands-off approach to the situation is looking increasingly influenced by our pending freetrade agreement with China. I'd like to see a clearer position on China's human rights issues being taken by the government, even though we have limited political leverage, and even if it affects the deal. To compromise ethics over money is something I'm deeply ambivalent about.
Comments
It's been rather disgusting watching our PM toady up to the Chinese but I doubt National would have done much different.
One can't help but compare the approaches towards Fiji and China. Where it is economically safe to do so we are principled...sigh.
I'm hoping while thousands of foreign tourists are in Beijing that there will planned or spontaneous free Tibet demonstrations happening in the steets. I really don't think China would know what to do if that happened. These Olympics potentially could be the best thing to happen for Tibetan autonomy/independence in years.