H. E. Mr. Zhang Jun, Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands, received an interview recently with NOS, during which Ambassador Zhang elaborated comprehensively China's position on the Tibet issue to the Dutch public.

Ambassador Zhang pointed out that China is opposed to the visit of Dalai Lama to the Netherlands and his meeting with any Dutch political leaders. Some people tend to think that China overreacts on this matter. That is because they don't have a complete and accurate understanding of the nature of Tibet issue and that of Dalai Lama.

Dalai Lama has always tried to mislead the world with the concept of "genuine autonomy". The fact that he claims a "Greater Tibet", which covers almost a quarter of Chinese territory and has never existed in history, shows that he has never given up advocating "Tibetan independence". Dalai Lama has portrayed himself as a pure religious figure. However, he was the chief representative of the theocratic feudal serfdom of the old Tibet, and maintains as the political leader of the so-called "Tibetan government-in-exile" today. He is indeed a separatist political exile with a full political agenda. Although Dalai Lama has said from time to time that he advocates "non-violence", he instigates his followers to undertake violent activities which gravely sabotage the stability and development of Tibet. Dalai Lama claims to be a "human rights defender". However, people in old Tibet under his theocratic rule had no human rights at all. It is only after the Democratic Reform in 1959 that the Tibetan people can fully enjoy religious, social, political and cultural rights.

Ambassador Zhang emphasized that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times. The so-called Tibet issue was the result of foreign invasions by Western countries in the late 19th and early 20th century. Even today, some Western countries are still using Dalai Lama as a political tool to intervene China's internal affairs. China has no room to compromise on issues relating to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

With regard to the impact on the bilateral relation by the visit of Dalai Lama, Ambassador Zhang pointed out that Sino-Dutch relation has a long history, and bilateral cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields has been deepening in recent years. Even in the face of global economic crisis, the momentum of Sino-Dutch trade relations remains strong. To maintain sound bilateral relations serves the long-term interest of both sides. China has never interfered with the internal affairs of the Netherlands. By the same token, we request the Dutch side to fully understand and respect the fundamental concern of China. We hope that the Dutch side takes necessary measures in line with its One China policy to keep our bilateral relations on the right track.

The interview will be broadcasted by NOS on television, radio and its website on June 3. Please click the link below to watch the interview on NOS website: http://player.nos.nl/index.php/media/play/tcmid/tcm:5-524657/.