April Fool?? France agrees Tibet "inseparable part" of China

[asian_XL]

http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=39265

what is he thinking?

China and France agreed on Wednesday to repair ties damaged after a series of recent spats, including over Tibet, with both pledging high-level talks and cooperation to tackle the global financial crisis.

Bilateral relations began deteriorating after the disruption of the Paris leg of the Olympic torch relay last summer by pro-Tibet activists. China has ruled Tibet with an iron hand since its troops marched into the region in 1950.

Further incidents, including Paris' decision to make Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, an honorary citizen, have fuelled tensions and led to sporadic boycotts of French firms operating in China.

"Both sides reaffirm the high importance of Sino-French relations and are willing to strengthen the all-round strategic partnership on the basis of mutual respect and paying attention to each sides basic interests," said a joint statement carried on the website of China's Foreign Ministry (www.fmprc.gov.cn).

The document was issued by both countries' foreign ministries and agreed upon after many rounds of talks, it added.

It said that France "fully understands" the importance and sensitivity of the Tibet question, and recognises that Tibet is an inseparable part of Chinese territory.

"On the basis of this spirit and the principle of not interfering in internal affairs, France refuses to support any kind of 'Tibet independence'," the statement said.

"Both sides are willing to strengthen communication and coordination, to jointly deal with the global challenge of the international financial crisis," it added.

There would also be high-level talks at an appropriate time, the statement said, without elaborating.

Last year, China pulled out of a summit with EU leaders that France was to host after French President Nicolas Sarkozy met the Dalai Lama.

Both Sarkozy and Chinese President Hu Jintao are due to attend the G20 summit in London this week.

China labels the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Dalai Lama a dangerous separatist and has been angered by his frequent meetings with foreign leaders. The Dalai Lama denies seeking independence for Tibet, saying he wants only greater autonomy.

Reuters

[Jason00S2000]

Who cares?


If Tibet wants freedom, let them fight for it like the strong have done before them.

[StylinRed]

China and France resume contacts
Nicolas Sarkozy, left, meets the Dalai Lama in Gdansk, Poland, 6 December 2008
Nicolas Sarkozy angered China when he met the Dalai Lama in December

China and France have agreed to restore high-level contacts, ending a rift that began after French President Nicolas Sarkozy met the Dalai Lama last year.

The announcement by the Chinese foreign ministry came shortly before Mr Sarkozy was to meet President Hu Jintao in London ahead of the G20 summit.

France had agreed not to back Tibetan independence in "any form", it said.

Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, of trying to seek independence from Chinese rule.

Correspondents say that Mr Sarkozy's decision to meet him while France held the EU presidency particularly incensed Chinese leaders, who took the unprecedented step of postponing a joint summit.

'Mutual respect'

A joint statement published on the Chinese foreign ministry's website said an agreement had been reached with France to restore high-level contacts and co-operate on tackling the global economic crisis.

"Both sides reaffirm the high importance of Sino-French relations and are willing to strengthen the all-round strategic partnership on the basis of mutual respect and paying attention to each side's basic interests," it said.

The statement said France "fully understands" the importance and sensitivity of Tibet's status, and recognises that it is "an inseparable part of China".

"On the basis of this spirit and the principle of not interfering in internal affairs, France refuses to support any form of 'Tibet independence'," it added.

"Both sides are willing to strengthen communication and coordination, to jointly deal with the global challenge of the international financial crisis."

There would also be high-level talks at an appropriate time, the statement said. No further details were given.

Mr Sarkozy and Mr Hu are due to hold bilateral talks in London later on Wednesday, a day before attending the G20 summit.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7976396.stm


nope its real, surprised Sarkozy backed down so easily, but then i guess they do need chinas penny labour

[Aetios]

Tibet is an inseparable part of Chinese territory.

This is true though is it not?

Don't worry, once the financial crisis is over France will be right back at it again.

[fetched]

The French are lovers, not fighters.
No one gives a shit about what they say .

[slammer111]

Oh man, the French caved yet again.

[q0192837465]

Tibet is part of China, Taiwan is part of China. End of discussion

[slammer111]

^ Depends on who you ask.

[DDauge]

Tibet is part of China like Quebec is part of Canada, whether they like it or not.

[StylinRed]

they should get autonomy like some other parts in china (cant remember and too tired to look it up) that'd put an end to the whole ordeal

chinas washed most of the tibetan out of the tibetans anyway