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UK Foreign Office Minister statement on Tibet (human rights and the new round of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue)

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES DOCUMENTS

Country

Non EU Member States: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

National Institution

United Kingdom: UK Foreign Office

Document Type

Statement/Declaration/Speech

Date: Oct 29, 2008

Topic

Human Rights
Sino-Tibetan dialogue

Summary: In this written statement, the UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband states that the UK strongly supports the dialogue between the Chinese government and the representatives of the Dalai Lama as the only realistic path towards resolving the Tibet issue.

The statements notes that the Dalai Lama has consistently sought meaningful autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese Constitution, rather than independence, and has maintained a clear commitment to non-violence.

The statement reiterates UK's deep concern over the human rights situation in Tibet, including the detention of Tibetans following the 2008 unrest, restrictions on religious freedom, and limited access to Tibet for diplomats and journalists. It confirms that these concerns have been raised repeatedly with senior Chinese leaders.

The statement also clarifies the UK's position that Tibet is part of the People's Republic of China, aligning itself with the position of all EU Member States and the United States. It stresses that the UK's objective is not Tibetan independence but long-term stability through respect for human rights and meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people, and calls on both sides to make genuine progress in the forthcoming round of Sino-Tibetan dialogue.

Source: UK Parliament

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UK - UK MFA - statement on the new round of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue.pdf
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UK Foreign Office Minister statement on Tibet (human rights and the new round of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue)

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