As some of you may know, in 2010 the next FIFA World Cup is planned to take place in South Africa. This is supposed to be a huge step for South Africans, who having come out of years of struggle, instability and apartheid, are now being given a chance to show the world not only their political success, but also their economic capacities as a nation capable of supporting one of the largest sporting events in the world.
A few weeks ago, however, the Dalai Lama, who had been invited to attend a conference focusing on combating racism and xenophobia in preparation for the World Cup, was denied a visa by the South African government. Among the South Africans who were anticipating his arrival were Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and FW de Clerk, all South African Nobel laureates.
So what was the South African government’s excuse for this? Thabo Masebe, the spokesman for the president, Kgalema Motlanthe, said, “We in the South African government have not invited the Dalai Lama to visit South Africa, because it would not be in the interests of South Africa.” He continued, “The attention of the world is on South Africa because of it being the host country for the 2010 World Cup, and we wouldn’t want anything to distract from that.”
Really? Is that all the government had to say? How is having the Dalai Lama come to an international peace conference not in the interest of South Africa? And how on earth would that divert attention from the World Cup? If anything, you would think the bad attention would come from banning one of the most important fighters for peace of the 20th and 21st century. But I suppose millions of soccer fans across the globe are going to be outraged upon hearing that a 73-year-old Tibetan holy man is hanging out with Mandela. Oh, say it isn’t so!
There are interests at stake, though, if you’re talking about business interests. The only country that’s really diametrically opposed to the Dalai Lama is, surprise, China. That’s the only reason South Africa is withholding the visa. Even Dai Bing, the minister counselor of the Chinese embassy in Pretoria, was quoted telling the South African media that China had warned the country of consequences if the Tibetan spiritual leader were to be admitted.
Which begs the question: Why does everyone let China push them around? Ok, so we owe them a few… hundred billion dollars, but that doesn’t justify the way they’re bullying countries. A sporting event is a big deal, people. To refresh your memories, 61 countries, including the U.S., boycotted the Moscow Olympics in 1980 as a response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. But do we ever hear any criticism of China?
No. I’m talking about a country that still has no freedom of speech, freedom of assembly or freedom of religion. All we hear about China anymore is how much it’s “progressing” and what great “improvements” they’ve made. If your idea of progress is production capacity, then you just hit the nail on the head. However, for myself to be convinced, show me an open and peaceful political demonstration in China, and then you can talk about progress. Show me a place that doesn’t send ministers of house churches to the Laogai (the Chinese labor camps) on charges of “endangering state security,” where merely the charge of such a crime almost guarantees a guilty sentence.
Why did we let them host the Olympics? Everyone is lauding over how great our relations are with China, but aren’t we just showing the world that we’re willing to overlook human rights abuse for the benefits of cheap merchandise? We need to stop giving China the thumbs up, and step up to the plate as the supposed “light bearers” of democracy. The U.S. should also, as a nation, be brave enough to criticize other countries when their economic interests take precedence over their moral obligations.
We are not the only world power anymore, but just because China is emerging as one doesn’t mean we should simply smile and wave. A great number of countries in this world still look to us to make the first move in international relations.
-Tucker Cross is a letters sophomore.
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yohann 3 years, 1 month ago
Well, I don't want to talk about the Tibet problem, because I am also confused with that even though I come from China. But I really appreciate the paragraph talking about what is true progress. China really needs democracy. And democracy will be beneficial to economic development finally.
The point I disagree with the author is that "But do we ever hear any criticism of China?". A lot of organizations and newspaper in US criticize China's human right.And many chinese nationalist boycott US media such as CNN because of this. The US government also published an report about China's human right, do you remember?
Flips88 3 years, 1 month ago
You know what happened when we made "the first move in international relations" to demonstrate to emerging power that we were more dominant?
We nuked Japan. Twice.
yohann 3 years, 1 month ago
Here are some comments quoted from SCSS mailist(Society of Chinese Students and Scholars at University of Oklahoma [SCSS@LISTS.OU.EDU])
This article is completely BULLSH-IT.
In the past, the article might make my blood boil. But now I just want to tell the author "keep whining, enjoy yourself". With the fast development in every aspect back at home, there is no need to defend ourselves. Do not take it as criticism, take it as a not-so-funny show,
It is selected from the web:
Q: China is becoming strong. Does your government want to take over the world? A: Yes, absolutely. As soon as we become powerful, we will invade Iraq and Afghanistan.
Q: Why doesn't your government give Tibet back to its monks? A: Because the monks want to help the Seminoles take back Florida.
Q: Are the products made in China very cheap? A: Yes. Were we using black slaves, the price would be even cheaper.
Q: You have 1.4 billion people. Now what do you want to do with it? A: Find a new planet. Kill the native people there, and move in.