Tibetans protest 'propaganda tour'

BY SEAN HEALY

SYDNEY — Supporters of Tibetan independence have claimed a "small victory" against China's occupation of the country after a cultural exhibition they called a "propaganda tour" was cancelled early.

Thirty people, including representatives of the local Tibetan community, protested outside the November 27 opening of the "China Tibetan Cultural Week", organised by the Chinese government's information office.

Demonstrators protested outside the nightly exhibition performances, handing out leaflets explaining the impact of China's occupation of Tibet.

The Australian Tibet Council points to speeches by Chinese government officials about the importance of "external propaganda", such as cultural festivals, to counteract support for Tibetan independence.

The ATC's Julie Smith said that, while the early closure of the exhibition was likely due to bad promotion, "We can claim some victory; we're wearing them down".

From Green Left Weekly, December 5, 2001.

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From GLW issue 474