FM Spokeswoman Refutes Allegation on China's Poverty-Relief Project
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue denied reports from Western media and Tibetan splittist organizations that China "assimilates Tibetans" in a resettlement project to be funded by the World Bank (WB).
Zhang made the remarks at the regular press conference in Beijing June 15 afternoon, describing the reports as "with ulterior motives". Certain Western media and a few Tibetan splittist groups recently alleged that a resettlement project in northwestern China 's Qinghai Province to be funded by the World Bank aims to "assimilate Tibetans" and incorporate the buildup of a labor reform farm so they required the World Bank not to finance the project.
Zhang said the project is part of the poverty-relief program implemented by Qinghai Province to uproot poverty in the land-locked province before the turn of the century.
"The mission of the project is to remove a portion of the poor population from their current living areas, where natural conditions are so harsh that development cannot be realized, to Dulan County of Haixi Prefecture in western Qinghai, where natural conditions are relatively better," she said.
"Local residents from all ethnic groups, including Tibetans, thus can shake off poverty and local socio-economic development can also be improved," she said, adding that "the Chinese government has placed high importance to improving the living standards of all ethnic groups. According to Zhang, the WB-funded project in Qinghai has proceeded after three years of preparation and feasibility study and is proven to meet all criteria for WB loans. "Also, the project is in accordance with the choice of the locals, including Tibetans, who have expressed their vigorous support," she added.
"Lawful rights of ethnic minorities there are fully protected," she said, denying the allegation of "Tibetan assimilation."
The project has no relation with any labor reform farm, she stressed. "We call on all contributing countries to WB to observe the WB Charter, adhere to the guideline of promoting economic growth of developing countries, prevent politicization trend of the WB and equally treat all contributing countries in accordance with the bank's procedures," she said.
"We expect WB authorities to approve the project on schedule," she said.
China places high importance on the poverty-relief project in Qinghai, she pointed out. To implement the project as early as possible, Zhang urged all contributing countries to "have a correct view on its poverty-relief nature, strictly abide by WB's relevant policy and regulations, and not be affected by the ulterior motives plotted by anti-China organizations or do anything detrimental to bilateral ties or hurting the feelings of the Chinese people."
China's poverty-relief cause, which gains understanding and support from countries worldwide, is proceeding smoothly, Zhang said, adding that China welcomes overseas press to run on-spot investigation in Qinghai "at any time."
*China has expressed strong resentment and firm opposition to a defense bill for fiscal year 2000 and an amendment act on Taiwan recently approved by the US Senate.
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue made the remarks at the same press conference.
Zhang said the US Senate recently approved the defense bill for fiscal year 2000, and its amendment act on Taiwan, wantonly demanding an evaluation on the so-called gap of military balance across the Taiwan Straits and on the US Defense Department's implementation of relevant articles set out in the so-called Taiwan Relation Act.
"The actions represent a grave interference in China's internal affairs and a gross violation of the three Sino-US joint communiques," said Zhang. Foreign countries have no right to interfere in the Taiwan issue which is a purely internal affair of China, she added.
"China urges the US administration to take effective measures to prevent the amendment act from being approved and becoming law, " said Zhang. (Xinhua)
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