'We are clear: no dalai lama visits'

China is 'concerned' about the dalai lama's visit to the Netherlands in June. It has subtly warned of 'negative consequences' for Dutch-Chinese relations. 'When it comes to our national integrity, there is no room for compromise,' says ambassador Zhang Jun.

He has just celebrated his first year in the The Hague. Zhang Jun (48), the People's Republic of China's ambassador to the Netherlands, is representative of the new China in all things: he speaks perfect English, he is well-informed and he is everywhere - from the opening of the Keukenhof flower gardens to the Chinese New Year's celebrations in the centre of The Hague. He has met personally with the management of Philips, DSM and Damen Shipyards.

A personal letter

And then there is politics. It was "with great concern" that Zhang learnt about a planned meeting in The Hague on June 4 and 5 between members of the Dutch parliament and the dalai lama, he wrote in a letter to Henk Jan Ormel, president of the foreign affairs committee. "It is against my wish to see that our good relationship would be hijacked by dalai and the image of the Dutch parliament be tarnished by his visit," the ambassador warned.

Zhang is "surprised" that the letter was made public. "It was a personal letter," the ambassador says in the immense reception hall of the Chinese embassy in The Hague, a stone's throw from the Catshuis, the official residence of the Dutch prime minister. He wants to explain why China is having such a hard time with the dalai lama's visit to the Netherlands. But first he wants to stress the "excellent relationship" between China and the Netherlands, and how an "even better collaboration" would be in the interest of both countries.

Chinese interests

The dalai lama's visit is highly undesirable in Chinese eyes. China is not overreacting at all, says Zhang. "The Tibet issue touches on Chinese territorial integrity. Fundamental Chinese interests are at stake. The dalai lama travels the world with the aim of separating Tibet from China. In particular, he is trying to gain the support of a number of Western countries. He uses these visits to mislead world opinion. No other country would ignore to let this happen if they are against its national interest, and China too.

"My country has a long history of foreign invasions, occupations and colonial domination. Its territorial integrity is still being threatened. We have no choice but to stand up for our national unity with all means. We have no wish to interfere in other countries' internal affairs, but we hope that other countries in turn will not interfere with internal affairs in China."

The Netherlands is saying the dalai lama will be received as a religious leader, not as a politician.

"The dalai lama is not merely a religious leader. He is also a political exile. He is also a political figure. The so-called constitution of the [Tibetan] government in exile clearly names the dalai lama as the political representative of that government."

So there is no difference between a religious and a political leader?

"Of course not. Just look at his activities. The dalai lama travels around the world for political purpose and has a full political agenda. Isn't it crystal-clear that he never abandoned to seek for independence of Tibet? Even if you look at his concept for what he calls autonomy for Tibet, it is definitely independence."

So Dutch politicians are blind to the truth?

"All I want to say is that a religious leader would never seek for independence. It is not a religious question but a political one. When it comes to religious affairs or human rights, China is open to dialogue and good advise. But when it comes to our national integrity, there is no room for compromise or to step backwards.’’

Is this visit an insult to China then?

"I don't want to see it that way. The Netherlands has clearly stated that it adopts the One-China policy. The Netherlands respects Chinese sovereignty. It is a matter of principle."

Is there a difference between inviting the dalai lama and - like foreign minister Verhagen intends to do - meeting him somewhere?

"The Chinese position is very clear on this point. We oppose any visit by the dalai lama to any country. And we oppose any visit by the dalai lama to any politician in any country. We are in close contact with the [Dutch] foreign ministry; and we understand each other very well.’’

What could the effect of the dalai lama on Dutch-Chinese relations be?

"I don't want to predict. We have to avoid any harmful effect on our good relations. And that means it is not a good idea to busy ourselves with the question of what might be more or less acceptable. We have good relations, there is a good atmosphere. Let's keep it this way. I won't tell you what the next step will be. I have full confidence in the wisdom of Dutch politicians."

You are only warning them?

"Yes, but we know from visits by the dalai lama to other countries that there can be negative consequences."

But you won't give a concrete example?

"I want to avoid the consequences."

Dutch politicians are saying: we will decide for ourselves who to invite or not.

"I have explained the background. If this is understood, you can no longer say that this is an internal affair of another country. It concerns China's fundamental interests. If this wasn't the case I wouldn't have done anything."

What should Dutch parliamentarians ask the dalai lama during their meeting?

(laughs) "I don't think I can answer that question. Our position is clear: we don't want the dalai lama to meet with politicians."

A Dutch parliamentary delegation wants to visit China in July? Will this jeopardise their visit?

"I have reported it but I haven't received an answer from Beijing yet."

Do you think it could be a problem?

"Again, let's not anticipate."