There has been a lot of tension among Buddhists here in Syracuse regarding the recent visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to the United States. The Buddhist community here was hoping President Obama would make some headway with China regarding the heated issues of human rights in Tibet and Taiwan. But instead of joy here in Syracuse over some major breakthroughs regarding Tibet and Taiwan with China there has been despair over continuing tensions. The Tibet Sun has written "China leader warns US on Tibet, Taiwan", http://bit.ly/gZQQ4E.
Last week during his visit to the United States Chinese President Hu warned the United States to respect Beijing’s sovereignty over Tibet and Taiwan. And while being pressed by his hosts about human rights issues Hu Jintao repeatedly urged “mutual respect” and cooperation between the Pacific powers.
During a luncheon with senior US officials and business leaders, Hu said that Taiwan and Tibet “concern China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and they represent China’s core interests. A review of the history of our relations tells us that US-China relations will enjoy smooth and steady growth when the two countries handle well issues involving each other’s major interests." And Hu went on to warn “Otherwise our relations will suffer constant trouble or even tension."
At a joint news conference with Hu President Obama had urged China to engage in talks with the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader. However, Obama affirmed the US view that the Himalayan territory is part of China. And yet the United States and its allies, particularly Japan, have repeatedly expressed concern about China’s large growth of military spending. This month just as US Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited China the Chinese government tested a stealth fighter. However, Hu dismissed these concerns, saying: “We do not engage in arms races or pose a military threat to any country. China will never seek hegemony or pursue an expansionist policy.”
China's rising military power and refusal to compromise on the issues of human rights in Tibet and Taiwan has Buddhists here in Syracuse worried. Hu's comment “We should stay committed to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, engage in open and inclusive regional cooperation and turn the Asia-Pacific into an important region where China and the United States work closely together on the basis of mutual respect," appears to mean to Buddhists here to do things China's way or face serious consequences.
Mandel News Service: http://www.mandelnews.com
