As the truth about the Lhasa riots has been brought to light and the violence by Tibet separatists condemned by the international community, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others have urged the Chinese government to "end its crackdown" in Tibet and "enter into a substantive dialogue" with the Dalai Lama. This is a typical example of confusing right from wrong, says a commentary of Xinhua News Agency. The following is an excerpt:
The Lhasa riots were violent, premeditated, and organized by the Dalai followers. This is an undeniable fact witnessed by the local people and foreign tourists.
Pelosi and other members of the US Congress failed to condemn those involved in the riots. Nor did they denounce the separatists for organizing the riots. Instead, they put pressure on the Chinese government and people. This cannot but lead people to question their sense of justice, and whether they are able to tell right from wrong.
According to some US media reports, Pelosi said last month that what happened in Tibet was a challenge to the conscience of the world. But people have to ask who is posing this challenge. The truth is normalcy was restored in Lhasa after the Chinese government took appropriate action. More than 100 countries have expressed their understanding and have supported the Chinese government's actions, an indication that the international community sides with China on the issue.
The legitimate actions taken by the Chinese government were aimed at maintaining the country's legal system, public order, and safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. No country will tolerate the harming of innocent people and destroying public property. When Pelosi and others openly encouraged violence by Tibet separatists, people cannot but ask whether they have a conscience.
The Chinese government's policy toward the Dalai Lama has been clear and consistent. The government is ready to continue talks with him as long as he truly abandons advocating "Tibet independence" and stops activities aimed at splitting the nation, especially activities to instigate and plot violent crimes in Tibet and other regions, stops activities to sabotage the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games, and accepts that Tibet is an inalienable part of China.
The Chinese government, however, will never bow to outside pressure. No attempts to force the Chinese government to make concessions to those who want to split the country and undermine multi-ethnic national unity will ever be entertained.
(China Daily April 11, 2008)